Programmable Logic Controller Programmer (PLC Programmer)

Farnworth, Borough of Halton
15 hours ago
Create job alert

Software Engineer – Industrial Automation (Material Handling & Controls)

Sector: Aviation Security Screening Systems

Location: North West UK (must be based in NW)

Travel: Occasional (approx. 1 trip per month)

Type: Full-time | Permanent / Temp-to-Perm considered

Salary: TBC

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer with a strong background in industrial automation and material handling systems to support the development and deployment of advanced conveyor-based solutions used within aviation security environments. This role sits within a specialist engineering environment delivering automated passenger screening lane systems deployed globally. Candidates must have very specific hands-on experience in PLC-based automation, conveyors, and commissioning environments—this is not a process industry role.

Key Focus Areas

Automated material handling systems (conveyors, robotics integration)

PLC-based control systems supporting high-throughput environments

Airport security screening lane automation

System commissioning, support, and on-site troubleshooting

Must-Have Requirements (Critical – please read carefully)

We are only considering candidates who meet all or most of the following:

North West UK based (essential)

Strong experience in material handling systems

Conveyors

Robotics integration

Automated movement systems

❌ Not process industry (no pumps, chemicals, oil & gas, etc.)

Willingness to travel internationally occasionally (approx. once per month)

Strong Siemens PLC experience (primary requirement)

Proven hands-on commissioning and field support experience

Factory acceptance testing (FAT)

Site installation & commissioning (SAT)

Fault-finding in live environments

Additional Requirements

Strong understanding of industrial automation software/control systems

Ability to read and interpret technical electrical/mechanical drawings

Confident troubleshooting skills in live system environments

Comfortable working across engineering and commissioning phases

Strong communication skills for site/customer interaction

Siemens PLC expertise + commissioning background

Real material handling / conveyor automation experience

Willingness to travel internationally

NW UK location requirement

What’s on Offer

Work on cutting-edge aviation security automation systems

International project exposure (airport environments)

High-technology, real-world deployed systems (not R&D only)

Strong long-term project pipeline in a niche sector

Opportunity to work across full system lifecycle (build → test → deploy → support)

ATA 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

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Maintenance Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

New Robotics Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and Global Companies Transforming Automation Careers

Robotics is moving rapidly from factory floors into healthcare, logistics, agriculture, autonomous systems, and consumer products. As automation becomes embedded in everyday life, companies are investing in robots that operate alongside humans, analyse environments in real time, and learn from data. In 2026, demand for robotics engineers, software developers, system integrators, and AI specialists continues to surge. For professionals exploring opportunities on www.RoboticsJobs.co.uk , understanding the employers that are scaling, winning contracts, securing investment, or expanding into the UK market is crucial. This article highlights top robotics employers to watch in 2026, spanning innovative startups, high‑growth scale‑ups, and established global technology leaders with strong UK presence.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.