PLC Software Engineer

Liebherr; Killarney; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Paid overtime

End of Year Bonus

Pension Scheme

Service Pay

Early finish on a Friday

21 days annual leave + Length of serve

Company Fixed Days

Subsidised canteen

Sports and Social Club

Retailer Discounts

Life Assurance

Refer a friend Scheme

Educational assistance

Career Progression Opportunities

Job summary

Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. in Ireland is seeking a talented PLC Software Engineer to design, program and maintain ABB‑based control systems for STS cranes. You will collaborate with electrical, mechanical and software engineers to deliver reliable automation for port terminals.

The role requires hands-on ABB PLC experience (AC500/AC800M), familiarity with industrial protocols, travel for site installations, and a commitment to safety and quality in challenging maritime environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial PLC programming.
• Strong proficiency with ABB PLCs (AC500, AC800M) and related tools.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, Profinet).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Willingness to travel for site installations and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and maintain ABB PLC-based control systems for STS cranes.
• Develop automation logic using ABB Automation Builder, Control Builder, and IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Integrate PLCs with HMI/SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and diagnostics.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to ensure safe and efficient crane operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers.
• Support system commissioning, testing, and documentation at port terminals.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams.

Skills

Industrial PLC programming

Crane control systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

ABB PLCs (AC500, AC800M)

ABB Automation Builder

Control Builder

IEC 61131-3 languages

Siemens TIA Portal

Allen-Bradley RSLogix

Profinet / Modbus / Ethernet/IP

Job description

We are looking for a talented PLC Software Engineer with expertise in ABB PLCs to support the development and maintenance of automation systems for Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with ABB platforms and a strong understanding of crane control systems. Experience with other PLC systems such as Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, or Schneider Electric is highly valued.

Key Elements of the Role:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Design, program, and maintain ABB PLC‑based control systems for STS cranes.
• Develop automation logic using ABB Automation Builder, Control Builder, and IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Integrate PLCs with HMI/SCADA systems for real‑time monitoring and diagnostics.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to ensure safe and efficient crane operations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers.
• Support system commissioning, testing, and documentation at port terminals.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams.

Qualifications, Requirements and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial PLC programming.
• Strong proficiency with ABB PLCs (AC500, AC800M) and related tools.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, Profinet).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Willingness to travel for site installations and commissioning.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Allen‑Bradley RSLogix, or other PLC platforms.
• Knowledge of STS crane systems, motion control, and safety interlocks.
• Familiarity with marine terminal operations and container handling equipment.
• Experience with SCADA systems, HMI development, and remote diagnostics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• Paid overtime
• End of Year Bonus
• Pension Scheme
• Service Pay
• Early finish on a Friday
• 21 days annual leave + Length of service days
• Company Fixed Days
• Subsidised canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Retailer Discounts
• Life Assurance
• Refer a friend Scheme
• Maternity Pay
• Educational assistance
• Career Progression Opportunities

#LCC

One Passion. Many Opportunities.

The company

Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ship to shore cranes, rail mounted gantry cranes and rubber tyre gantry cranes. From its base in Killarney, Ireland, the company designs, builds and exports container cranesworldwide. Founded in 1958 as the first Liebherr factory outside of Germany, today, container cranes manufactured by Liebherr in Ireland are renowned for their quality, longevity andproductivity.