PLC Controls Engineer - Automotive

PLC Controls Engineer – Automotive - Contract - Dagenham

We are currently recruiting 2 experienced PLC Controls Engineers for a major automotive manufacturing and industrial automation project in Dagenham.

This is a hands-on commissioning role for experienced engineers who can hit the ground running in a live manufacturing environment, troubleshoot complex faults, modify PLC software and bring automated production equipment online.

Role Details

Position: PLC Controls Engineer – Contractor

Location: Dagenham

Rate: £40–£50 per hour – Outside IR35

Hours: Monday–Friday, 07:30–16:00

Contract: Contractor

Vacancies: 2

The Role

You will be working directly on production-line equipment and automated stations as part of a major automotive automation project.

The role will include:

Siemens S7 PLC programming and commissioning

Downloading and commissioning software onto live production equipment

Testing sequences, safety circuits, I/O and automated processes

Modifying existing PLC programs and writing new code where required

Diagnosing PLC, controls and runtime faults

Troubleshooting software and hardware issues during commissioning

Working to required FAST standards

Clearing snags and fault logs

Optimising station operation and cycle times

Supporting the safe commissioning and handover of production cells

Working closely with electrical, mechanical, hardware and site teams

Essential Experience

We are looking for engineers with:

Strong experience with Siemens Classic S7 / STEP 7 v5.x

Extensive experience using SIMATIC Manager

Proven experience in live-plant automotive commissioning

Strong PLC fault-finding and troubleshooting skills

Ability to modify existing PLC code and develop/write new code

Confidence working independently in a fast-paced production environment

Strong practical knowledge of industrial automation and commissioning

Please note: This role is primarily STEP 7 / SIMATIC Manager, rather than TIA Portal.

Desirable Experience

Ford FAST standards

Profibus and Profinet

Basic HMI integration

Automotive OEM commissioning experience

Don't have direct FAST experience? You may still be considered if you have extensive high-level commissioning experience on major automotive OEM projects such as Jaguar Land Rover, BMW or VAG, working to comparable controls and software standards.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for experienced, commissioning-focused Controls Engineers who are comfortable working independently and can diagnose problems quickly, modify PLC code and get production equipment running.

If you have strong Siemens S7 / STEP 7 experience, a background in automotive automation and proven live-production commissioning experience, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply now with your latest CV and details of your PLC commissioning experience.

Click Apply or send your CV directly to

Suzanne: (phone number removed)

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Sponsorship is not provided.

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Ganymede is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation