About the Job

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.