Multi-Skilled Automation PLC Software Engineer

PLC Software Engineer / Multi-Skilled Automation Engineer

Location: North East England

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Wolviston Management Services are delighted to be supporting our client in the recruitment of an experienced PLC Software Engineer / Multi-Skilled Automation Engineer to join their established engineering and automation team.

Our client is a specialist engineering organisation delivering innovative, bespoke automation solutions to customers across a range of industrial and manufacturing sectors, both in the UK and internationally.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, technically skilled engineer who enjoys combining PLC programming, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering to develop, build and commission complex automated machinery.

Working within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in bringing specialist automation projects to life, from initial software development and machine assembly through to commissioning, troubleshooting and customer handover.

The position offers a varied working environment, combining workshop-based engineering with occasional travel to customer sites across the UK and overseas.

The Role

As PLC Software Engineer / Multi-Skilled Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for developing, programming, testing and commissioning industrial automation systems and special-purpose machinery.

You will work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers, project teams and customers to ensure automation solutions are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest technical standards.

This is a varied, hands-on position suited to an engineer who is equally comfortable developing control software, diagnosing electrical faults and supporting mechanical assembly and commissioning activities.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, program, test and commission PLC and HMI control systems for bespoke industrial automation equipment.

Work with PLC platforms including Siemens, Omron and Mitsubishi, supporting system integration and machine functionality.

Develop and troubleshoot automation and motion control systems incorporating motors, servo drives and actuators.

Support the mechanical assembly, installation, testing and commissioning of special-purpose machinery.

Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical and software-related faults to ensure equipment reliability and performance.

Configure and commission industrial communication networks, including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, DeviceNet and PROFIBUS.

Support industrial robotic systems, including programming and integration where required.

Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings and technical documentation.

Work closely with internal engineering teams, customers, suppliers and project managers to ensure successful project delivery.

Provide technical support during machine installation, commissioning and customer handover.

Identify opportunities to improve automation performance, machine reliability and operational efficiency.

Ensure all engineering activities comply with relevant electrical safety requirements, machinery legislation and applicable EN standards.

Maintain accurate technical documentation and communicate effectively with colleagues and customers throughout project delivery. About You

We are keen to hear from experienced automation engineers who combine strong PLC programming capabilities with practical electrical and mechanical engineering knowledge.

To be considered, you will ideally have:

Experience working within industrial automation, PLC controls or special-purpose machinery.

Strong PLC programming experience, ideally using Siemens, Omron or Mitsubishi systems.

Experience developing automation and motion control systems involving motors, servos and actuators.

A good understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles, including fault finding and maintenance.

Experience with industrial robot programming or integration, ideally involving ABB, FANUC or KUKA systems.

Knowledge of industrial communication networks and fieldbus technologies.

Experience in electrical testing, inspection and commissioning.

The ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical engineering drawings.

Strong practical engineering skills, with confidence working on mechanical, electrical and electronic systems.

Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, hands-on approach to engineering challenges.

The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary engineering team.

A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel to customer sites when required. Previous experience working for a systems integrator, automation specialist or special-purpose machinery manufacturer would be particularly advantageous.

What's on Offer?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering business delivering technically challenging and innovative automation projects for customers around the world.

Our client offers a supportive and collaborative working environment where engineers are encouraged to take ownership of projects, develop their technical expertise and contribute to the continued success of the business.

The benefits package includes:

Competitive salary depending on experience

Annual performance-related bonus

Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

Early finish on Fridays

Company pension scheme

Genuine career development and progression opportunities

Exposure to innovative, bespoke automation projects

Opportunities to work on UK and international projects

Free on-site parking

Regular company events