PLC Controls Engineer - Automotive

PLC Controls Engineer - Automotive - Contract - Dagenham

We are currently recruiting 2 experienced PLC Controls Engineers for a major automotive manufacturing and industrial automation project in Dagenham .

This is a hands-on commissioning role for experienced engineers who can hit the ground running in a live manufacturing environment, troubleshoot complex faults, modify PLC software and bring automated production equipment online.

Role Details

Position: PLC Controls Engineer - Contractor
Location: Dagenham
Rate: £40-£50 per hour - Outside IR35
Hours: Monday-Friday, 07:30-16:00
Contract: Contractor
Vacancies: 2

The Role

You will be working directly on production-line equipment and automated stations as part of a major automotive automation project.

The role will include:

• Siemens S7 PLC programming and commissioning
• Downloading and commissioning software onto live production equipment
• Testing sequences, safety circuits, I/O and automated processes
• Modifying existing PLC programs and writing new code where required
• Diagnosing PLC, controls and runtime faults
• Troubleshooting software and hardware issues during commissioning
• Working to required FAST standards
• Clearing snags and fault logs
• Optimising station operation and cycle times
• Supporting the safe commissioning and handover of production cells
• Working closely with electrical, mechanical, hardware and site teams

Essential Experience

We are looking for engineers with:

• Strong experience with Siemens Classic S7 / STEP 7 v5.x
• Extensive experience using SIMATIC Manager
• Proven experience in live-plant automotive commissioning
• Strong PLC fault-finding and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to modify existing PLC code and develop/write new code
• Confidence working independently in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong practical knowledge of industrial automation and commissioning

Please note: This role is primarily STEP 7 / SIMATIC Manager , rather than TIA Portal.

Desirable Experience

• Ford FAST standards
• Profibus and Profinet
• Basic HMI integration
• Automotive OEM commissioning experience

Don't have direct FAST experience? You may still be considered if you have extensive high-level commissioning experience on major automotive OEM projects such as Jaguar Land Rover, BMW or VAG , working to comparable controls and software standards.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for experienced, commissioning-focused Controls Engineers who are comfortable working independently and can diagnose problems quickly, modify PLC code and get production equipment running .

If you have strong Siemens S7 / STEP 7 experience , a background in automotive automation and proven live-production commissioning experience, we'd like to hear from you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr