Software / PLC Programmer
Location: Powerstar, Sheffield S35 1QP (Office-based)
Reporting to: Control Design Team Lead
Salary: £40k - £50k dependant on experience and knowledge
Powerstar is seeking a talented Software / PLC Programmer to join our growing Control Team in Sheffield. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious engineer to play a key role in developing advanced control and monitoring software that supports industrial and energy systems across the UK.
In this role, you’ll work across the full lifecycle of control system development - from concept and design through to testing, commissioning and ongoing support. If you enjoy problem-solving, creating robust solutions, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team, we’d love to hear from you.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Designing, developing, enhancing, and testing PLC-based control applications using CODESYS and IEC 61131-3 languages (ST, FBD, SFC, LD).
* Implementing and debugging real-time systems for control panels and industrial automation networks.
* Translating functional specifications into reliable, maintainable, and scalable code.
* Integrating third-party hardware and communication protocols such as Modbus TCP/RTU, CANopen, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP.
* Supporting Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning activities.
* Maintaining clear technical documentation, version control, and configuration backups.
* Diagnosing and resolving issues in both simulated and live environments — locally and remotely.
* Working closely with engineering and controls colleagues to deliver best-in-class monitoring and automation solutions.
Experience
Essential:
* 2+ years’ experience with CODESYS or similar PLC platforms (Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT, ABB).
* Strong understanding of Structured Text (ST) and other IEC 61131-3 languages.
* Background in industrial automation or energy control systems.
* Ability to interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs.
* Experienced in testing, debugging, and troubleshooting real-time control systems.
* Knowledge of control system design principles (signal conditioning, interlocks, safety systems).
Desirable:
* Experience with BESS, HVAC controls, or renewable/energy systems.
* Knowledge of industrial networking, firewalls, routers, and communication protocols.
* Exposure to HMI/visualisation tools (CODESYS Visualisation, Ignition, Wonderware).
* Experience with Linux-based embedded systems or RTOS.
Qualifications
* Appropriate Engineering qualification for example Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline.