PLC Software Engineer

Bell Recruitment; Dungannon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking a PLC Software Engineer in Dungannon, UK. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, programming, and optimising PLC-based control systems for complex machinery. Applicants should have at least 5 years of experience in a relevant environment, a degree in a related field, and strong technical skills. The role involves working collaboratively with engineering teams and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a Tier 1 or OEM environment.
• Understanding of vehicle networks and communication protocols such as CAN.
• Ability to work within structured development and validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and optimise PLC-based control systems.
• Create and maintain technical documentation including wiring diagrams and I/O configurations.
• Ensure software development complies with global safety standards.

Skills

Problem-solving

Technical expertise

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics

Tools

CODESYS

Vector CANalyzer

CANfox

Job description

Position: PLC Software Engineer
Reports to: Head of Engineering
Department: Engineering
Location: Main Site
Hours: 41.5 per week

Role Overview

The PLC Software Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, testing, and optimising PLC-based control systems for complex machinery and equipment. This role requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and a solid understanding of electrical, electronic, and software engineering within vehicle or industrial control environments.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, test, and optimise PLC control systems across multiple platforms.

Manage system backups, maintain version control, and implement safety interlocks to prevent system failures.

Create and maintain technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, ladder logic, function block diagrams, and I/O configurations.

Ensure all software development complies with global safety standards and internal procedures.

Use diagnostic and vehicle interface tools such as Vector CANalyzer, CANfox, and similar systems.

Support cross-functional engineering teams by providing technical expertise and troubleshooting.

Assist with commissioning, validation, and optimisation of new and existing systems.

Work on continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to system architecture enhancements.

Support system integration across sensors, actuators, networks, and multi-PLC environments.

Comply with ISO 9001 quality procedures and company health and safety guidelines.

Perform additional duties as required by the Line Manager.

Role Requirements

Degree in Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience.

Minimum of 5 years experience in a Tier 1 or OEM environment (on-highway or off-highway), focusing on system engineering or software development.

Strong ability to design and implement advanced PLC control architectures involving multiple controllers and distributed components.

Proficiency with PLC programming tools (e.g., CODESYS) and knowledge of IEC 61131-3 standards.

Experience in real-time debugging, control loop tuning, and signal processing.

Understanding of vehicle networks and communication protocols such as CAN.

Ability to work within structured development, sign-off, and validation processes.

Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Eagerness to learn from varied system architectures and coding techniques.