Commissioning Engineer - Stoke on Trent

Rapiscan Systems, Inc.; Biddulph; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Rapiscan Systems, Inc. is seeking a driven Commissioning Engineer to join the Stoke-on-Trent team.

The role focuses on installing, commissioning, testing, and validating PLC-controlled systems at customer sites, with substantial international travel across the EMEA region. You will work with engineering, quality, and project teams to troubleshoot issues, support FAT/SAT, and ensure systems meet performance standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with PLC programming and automation systems.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 50%.
• Experience in commissioning and FAT/SAT.
• Background in industrial automation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, modify, and maintain PLC software per FDS.
• Commission, test, and validate control systems.
• Configure and program PLCs, sensors, field devices, safety systems.
• Manage software versions throughout projects.
• Verify system functionality meets performance criteria.
• Test and prove safety system operation.
• Support integration of third-party equipment.
• Maintain safe exclusion zones during testing.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolve commissioning issues.
• Conduct FAT and SAT with customers.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to resolve issues.
• Work with suppliers and engineering to fix defects.
• Produce commissioning records and validation reports.
• Provide technical support during start-up and handover.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

International travel

Tools

Allen Bradley RSLogix

Job description

Rapiscan, an OSI Systems, Inc. company, empowers those who safeguard our world with the technologies, services, and expertise needed to detect threats, secure commerce, and protect communities. An industry leader in X-ray inspection, radiation and trace detection, metal detection, and optical inspection solutions, Rapiscan has over 100,000 scanning systems installed around the world to assist customs agencies, border security, aviation authorities, law enforcement, military organizations, and security professionals in combatting terrorism, smuggling, and trade fraud.

Role Overview

We are seeking a talented and motivated Commissioning Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team based in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of sophisticated cargo security systems deployed across the EMEA region.

In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for the installation, commissioning, testing, and validation of PLC-controlled systems at customer sites, ensuring all equipment is delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Functional Design Specifications (FDS). You will work closely with engineering, quality, and project teams to troubleshoot issues, support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and ensure systems achieve the required performance standards.

The role involves regular international travel across EMEA to support customer installations and commissioning activities. When not deployed to customer sites, you will be based at our Stoke-on-Trent facility, supporting system build, testing, software development, and pre-delivery activities.

This position would suit an engineer with a strong background in PLC programming, industrial automation, controls, or commissioning who enjoys a combination of technical problem-solving, customer interaction, and international travel.

• Install, configure, modify, and maintain PLC software in accordance with Functional Design Specifications (FDS).
• Commission, test, and validate control systems to ensure compliance with defined performance and operational requirements.
• Configure and program PLCs, sensors, field devices, safety systems, and associated control equipment.
• Ensure the correct software and PLC code versions are installed and maintained throughout the project
• Verify that all system functionality operates as specified and meets performance criteria outlined in the FDS.
• Test, validate, and prove the operation of safety systems, ensuring all required safety functions are fully compliant.
• Support the integration and commissioning of third-party supplier equipment into Cargo screening and handling systems.
• Establish and maintain safe exclusion zones and working practices during testing and commissioning activities.
• Support and lead system troubleshooting activities, identifying and resolving commissioning and operational issues.
• Conduct and support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), both internally and with customers.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance teams to investigate, document, and resolve quality-related issues.
• Collaborate with suppliers and engineering teams to identify and rectify defects discovered during commissioning and testing.
• Produce commissioning records, test documentation, and validation reports to support project handover and customer acceptance.
• Provide technical support during system start-up, handover, and early operational phases.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience with Allen Bradley RS Logix is preferred.
• The ability to work with others in a multi-disciplinary, fast-paced product development environment
• Experience of design for manufacture, with a background in a production environment would be highly desirable.
• Energy, drive and a can-do attitude are essential for this position
• The individual will be expected to travel around 50% for the year overseas to commission products on site and support customer SAT's.