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

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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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