PLC Engineer
Location: Stanford-le-Hope, Essex
Salary: £62,659.55 (including shift allowance) + up to 10% quarterly bonus (worth c.£6,000 per year)
Hours: Panama shift pattern (2 days, 2 off, 3 nights, 2 off, 2 days, 3 off – 6am to 6pm)
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
A leading international engineering and logistics organisation is seeking an experienced PLC Engineer to join their advanced automated port operations team in Essex. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with large-scale automated machinery and complex control systems in a highly technical environment.
You’ll take responsibility for maintaining and optimising the PLC, drives, and automation infrastructure across site – ensuring reliability, safety, and maximum operational uptime.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimise PLC, inverter drive, and control systems across large automated machinery.
Diagnose and resolve faults at both software and hardware level on PLCs, drives, PCs, and automation networks.
Support commissioning, upgrades, and implementation of new automation projects and equipment.
Manage and maintain software version control, backups, and documentation for PLC programs.
Carry out root cause analysis on recurring automation and control issues to improve reliability and performance.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to technicians and engineering teams on PLCs and drive systems.
Liaise with suppliers and OEMs to optimise automation performance and resolve technical issues.
Ensure full compliance with company Health & Safety policies, including RAMS, LOTO procedures, and safe working practices.
About You
Time-served Electrical or Automation Engineer with a minimum Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).
Strong, hands-on experience with PLC fault-finding, modification, and programming (Siemens, Allen Bradley, or similar).
Skilled in inverter drives, motor controls, sensors, and industrial automation systems.
Previous experience within heavy industry, automotive, ports, rail, or defence sectors is highly desirable.
Comfortable working at heights and outdoors as part of an operations-focused maintenance team.
Hold a valid UK driving licence and able to pass a site medical (under 130kg limit).
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary including shift allowance
Quarterly performance bonus (up to 10%)
Excellent pension scheme (4% employee / 6% employer)
22 days annual leave
Ongoing professional development and clear progression opportunities within a global engineering environment