PLC Programming Engineer – R&D / Industrial Automation

We are looking for a PLC Programming Engineer with strong practical experience in PLC programming, industrial control systems and troubleshooting. Based at our R&D design centre in Singapore, you will support the development, enhancement and lifecycle maintenance of PLCs, smart relays, I/O modules and associated products. Your work will focus on developing control programs, validating product functionality, investigating issues and ensuring reliable operation following hardware, firmware and component changes. This role suits an engineer who can work independently, translate functional requirements into reliable PLC logic and collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams across Asia.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, test and maintain PLC programs for product evaluation, functional validation and industrial control applications.
• Translate functional requirements into structured control logic, operating sequences, interlocks, alarms, diagnostics and fault-handling routines.
• Program using relevant IEC 61131-3 languages, including Ladder Diagram, Structured Text and Function Block Diagram.
• Develop reusable program blocks and test applications to evaluate PLCs, smart relays, I/O modules and associated products.
• Configure and validate digital and analog I/O, communication interfaces and connected industrial devices.
• Develop and execute test plans covering control logic, timing, communications, abnormal conditions, recovery behaviour and operational reliability.
• Perform regression testing following product enhancements, firmware updates, hardware modifications and component substitutions.
• Troubleshoot PLC programs and system issues, identifying whether faults originate from application logic, configuration, communications, firmware or hardware.
• Build and maintain test setups, simulate operating conditions and reproduce production or field issues in the laboratory.
• Work closely with hardware and firmware engineers to investigate defects, verify corrective actions and improve product performance.
• Support manufacturing teams with functional testing, issue resolution and product changes across production sites.
• Maintain clear documentation, including program descriptions, I/O lists, configuration records, test procedures, validation reports and revision histories.
• Review technical work and provide practical guidance to less-experienced engineers.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in industrial automation or control systems, with substantial hands-on PLC programming experience.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming, particularly Ladder Diagram, Structured Text and Function Block Diagram.
• Proven ability to independently develop, debug and validate PLC programs from functional requirements.
• Practical experience with control sequences, interlocks, timers, counters, analog signal processing, diagnostics and fault handling.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting industrial communications, such as Modbus TCP/RTU, industrial Ethernet or CAN-based networks.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and I/O specifications, and troubleshoot connected sensors, actuators and control devices.
• Experience developing test procedures, conducting functional and regression testing, and documenting results.
• Strong analytical skills and a systematic approach to root-cause analysis.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional and overseas teams.

Preferred Experience:

• R&D, product development or sustaining engineering experience involving PLCs, smart relays or industrial I/O products.
• Hands-on experience with one or more major PLC platforms, such as Siemens, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi, Omron or CODESYS-based systems.
• HMI programming, device integration or automated test development.
• Validation of PLC behaviour following firmware releases or hardware changes.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, electronic hardware fundamentals and industrial product reliability testing.

EA Licence No.:18S9405 / EA Reg. No.:R1330864

Percept Solutions is expanding and actively seeking talented individuals. We encourage applicants to follow Percept Solutions on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/percept-solutions/ to stay informed about new opportunities and events.