Lead LLC Development Engineer (PLC Development Lead - Baggage Handling Systems)

Role Purpose

Wise Technical is seeking an experienced Lead LLC Development Engineer to lead the design, architecture and delivery of PLC-based control software for automated baggage handling systems (BHS). This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role responsible for setting the standards, structure and quality of our low-level controls development, while directly architecting and writing PLC code for large-scale, safety- and performance-critical airport baggage systems.

The successful candidate will own the technical delivery of PLC applications from first principles through to commissioning, ensuring robust integration with HMI/SCADA platforms, Sort Allocation Computer (SAC) systems, and hold baggage screening infrastructure. They will provide technical leadership to the wider LLC development team, working closely with the LLC Product Manager on day-to-day technical direction and reporting into the LLC Solutions Senior Manager for line management matters.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Lead the architecture and design of large-scale PLC control applications for baggage handling systems, built from the ground up.
• Define coding standards, structure and best practice for the LLC development team, and ensure their consistent application across projects.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to PLC engineers, reviewing code and designs for quality, maintainability and performance.
• Act as the senior technical point of contact for PLC development matters, working closely with the LLC Product Manager to align development with product and project priorities.

PLC Development & Systems Integration

• Design and develop PLC software for conveyor control, bag tracking, sortation and system sequencing across large, multi-PLC BHS installations.
• Develop and integrate control logic for hold baggage screening (HBS), ensuring compliance with relevant screening standards and airport operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain interfaces to Sort Allocation Computer (SAC) systems, Host Level Controller (HLC) systems, and airport IT/BRS platforms.
• Architect and implement bag tracking logic, ensuring accurate, reliable and auditable bag status and routing data throughout the system.
• Integrate PLC applications with HMI and SCADA systems, ensuring reliable real-time visualisation, alarming and operator control.
• Design and implement robust fault handling, diagnostics and system recovery strategies.

Project & Delivery Management

• Produce and maintain functional design specifications, software design documents and test documentation for PLC applications.
• Plan and lead FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) activities for control software.
• Support on-site commissioning, working with site teams to install, test, and go-live PLC applications.
• Identify technical risks early and work with the LLC Product Manager and Senior Manager to mitigate delivery risk.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Line-manage and/or technically lead junior and mid-level PLC engineers, supporting their development and performance.
• Liaise with mechanical, electrical, IT and project engineering teams to ensure coordinated system delivery.
• Represent Wise Technical in technical discussions with clients, integrators and screening equipment suppliers.

Requirements

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven track record architecting and developing large-scale PLC applications from scratch (not just modifying existing code bases).
• Strong hands-on experience with major PLC platforms used in baggage handling (e.g. Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience writing PLC code for bag tracking within automated baggage handling systems.
• Demonstrable experience integrating and coding for hold baggage screening (HBS) systems.
• Demonstrable experience developing HLC (Host Level Controller) interfaces and associated communication protocols.
• Experience integrating PLC systems with SAC (Sort Allocation Computer) platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of HMI/SCADA system design, development and integration (e.g. WinCC, FactoryTalk, Ignition, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of industrial networking and communications protocols (e.g. Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, TCP/IP).
• Experience producing and working from functional design specifications and control philosophy documents.
• Experience leading or heavily contributing to FAT/SAT and site commissioning activities.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety systems and functional safety principles (e.g. safety PLCs, e-stop and interlock design).
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent demonstrable industry experience).
• Ability and willingness to be based at Wise Technical's LHR offices a minimum of 4 days per week.
• Right to work in the UK and eligibility to obtain UK airside/airport security clearance.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Prior experience within the airport baggage handling industry, working with systems from vendors such as BEUMER, Vanderlande, Siemens Logistics, Babcock Airports or similar.
• Experience with baggage handling simulation tools and/or discrete event simulation of material handling systems.
• Familiarity with airport-specific standards and regulations relevant to hold baggage screening and BHS (e.g. ECAC, TSA equivalents, or applicable national regulatory frameworks).
• Experience with version control and structured software lifecycle management for PLC codebases.
• Previous experience in a technical leadership, principal engineer, or team lead capacity.
• Knowledge of database/reporting integration for bag tracking and management information systems.
• Recognised functional safety qualification (e.g. TÜV Functional Safety Engineer) or equivalent.