Controls PLC Technical Specialist

Location: Stoke-on-Trent

We are seeking a Technical Specialist to join a highly automated warehouse and material handling environment. This role acts as the on-site technical escalation lead, providing advanced support across complex automation, controls, electrical and mechanical systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring optimal system performance, reliability, and uptime within a fast-paced operational setting.

This is a hands-on, shift-based engineering role focused on fault finding, diagnostics, and root cause analysis across PLC-controlled automation systems, conveyors, and associated warehouse technologies. The Technical Specialist will support shift engineers, providing expert technical guidance and leading the resolution of high-priority breakdowns and complex system faults. A key aspect of the role includes identifying underlying issues and implementing robust, long-term engineering solutions to prevent recurrence and improve system resilience.

The role also involves managing PLC software activities, including backups, modifications, and version control, ensuring system integrity and compliance. In addition, the Technical Specialist will collaborate closely with operations teams, customers, and third-party suppliers to support efficient site performance and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Controls and Automation Engineering, with proven experience working with Siemens S7 and TIA Portal PLC systems. A solid understanding of SCADA systems and automated warehouse or material handling environments is essential, along with strong troubleshooting and fault-finding capabilities. Experience in FMCG, manufacturing automation, or logistics environments would be highly advantageous.

Strong communication skills are required, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The successful individual will be a confident, senior hands-on engineer who thrives in a high-pressure operational environment and is recognised as the technical “go-to” person on site.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer looking to take ownership of complex automation systems and play a key role in driving reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement across a modern automated facility