Role: Senior PLC Programmer / Project Engineer - Senior Position
Location: Chesterfield and surrounding areas
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 (dependent on experience)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, flexible start times (days only)
Workload Split: 80% office-based / 20% on-site commissioning
Progression: Excellent career progression opportunities - clear path to Director-level

I'm excited to be representing a rapidly expanding engineering company based in Chesterfield. With continued growth and a strong presence in the FMCG and food manufacturing industries, they are now seeking a highly experienced and driven PLC Programmer / Project Engineer to take a leading role in delivering automation solutions and control system upgrades for a wide variety of clients.

This is a senior-level position that blends hands-on PLC programming with project management, client interaction, and strategic input. You'll be instrumental in optimising production processes, reducing waste and energy consumption, and ensuring high system reliability for some of the UK's most respected manufacturing businesses.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and write PLC code from scratch - Siemens TIA Portal essential; experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell or other platforms desirable

Develop and configure HMI and SCADA systems

Manage full project lifecycles: from specification and design to testing, installation, and commissioning

Implement continuous improvement strategies to maximise machine and line performance

Lead and support new equipment integration and control system retrofits

Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams on-site and remotely

Provide technical support during and after commissioning

Conduct fault-finding, diagnostics, and system upgrades

Produce clear documentation, including technical manuals, project reports, and wiring schematics

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing expert-level support and consultancy

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum: HND in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related discipline

5+ years' proven experience in PLC programming and industrial automation, ideally within FMCG or food production environments

Desirable: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems or Automation

Strong working knowledge of control panel design, instrumentation, safety systems, and industrial networking (e.g. Profibus, Ethernet/IP)

Experience with energy efficiency initiatives and sustainable engineering practices (advantageous)

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and play a pivotal role in a fast-growing organisation with genuine opportunities to progress to director level, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential chat, contact: (phone number removed)
Alternatively, email your CV to