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Job Title: Trainee Electrical Design Engineer – Antrim
Department: Software / Automation
Reporting To: Controls / Automation Manager
Purpose: This entry-level role provides an excellent opportunity for an individual seeking to develop a career in industrial automation and control systems. The Trainee PLC Programmer will work alongside experienced engineers to learn how to develop, test, commission and maintain PLC and HMI software for industrial machinery and automated systems. Through structured training and mentoring, the successful candidate will gain the skills and experience required to progress into a PLC Programmer or Controls Engineer role.

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Company Background

Pneutrol International Limited is a family-owned engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture and support of innovative automation and control systems, primarily for the concrete industry. With thousands of installations across the UK, Ireland and international markets, the company combines engineering expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver bespoke solutions that improve customer productivity, efficiency and control.

We are seeking talented students who want to put their knowledge into practice, tackle real engineering challenges and join a world class workforce which includes renowned pioneers in their fields.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development, modification and testing of PLC programs under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Support the development and maintenance of Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens and operator interfaces.
• Learn to interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, I/O schedules and technical documentation.
• Assist with the configuration and testing of sensors, motors, variable speed drives and other control system components.
• Support fault-finding and diagnostic activities on PLC software and associated control systems.
• Assist with machine commissioning, system testing and project validation in both workshop and customer site environments.
• Maintain software backups, revision histories and technical documentation.
• Ensure engineering records and project documentation are accurately maintained.
• Adhere to all Company Health & Safety procedures and safe systems of work.
• Participate in training programmes and continuous professional development activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Software and Automation Department.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role as directed by Management.

Skills

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work methodically and follow technical procedures.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn and develop new technical skills.
• Good organisational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Knowledge

Essential

• Basic understanding of electrical circuits and control principles.
• Basic knowledge of engineering and automation concepts.
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Desirable

• Awareness of PLC programming concepts.
• Familiarity with ladder logic, function block diagrams or structured text.
• Understanding of Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Awareness of industrial networks, sensors, drives and automation equipment.
• Knowledge of PLC platforms such as Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley or Rockwell.
• Understanding of electrical drawings and control schematics.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn.
• Positive attitude towards personal development.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Professional and approachable manner.
• Strong work ethic.
• Adaptable and flexible.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach.
• Committed to producing high-quality work.
• Safety-conscious and responsible.

Experience

Essential

• No previous PLC programming experience required.

Desirable

• Exposure to PLC programming through education, projects, placements or employment.
• Experience working with electrical, electronic or mechatronic systems.
• Experience using engineering software packages.
• Experience working within an engineering, manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings or schematics.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualification, apprenticeship or practical experience in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline.
• Good standard of education including Mathematics and English.

Desirable

• HND, Foundation Degree or Degree in Electrical, Electronic or Mechatronic Engineering.
• Relevant vocational or technical qualifications in automation or control systems.
• Full UK driving licence.

General

• Based at the Antrim facility.
• Full training will be provided in PLC programming, HMI development, testing, commissioning and fault-finding.
• Occasional travel to customer sites may be required.
• The role offers excellent opportunities for progression into PLC Programmer, Automation Engineer or Controls Engineer positions.
• The post holder will be expected to support the Company’s commitment to customer service, innovation, quality and continuous improvement.
• Overtime may be required from time to time to support project delivery and customer requirements.

Interested?

Please send your CV and a covering letter telling us what excites you about joining Pneutrol International.