Freelance PLC and controls engineer

Machine builders, factories, food and packaging plants and larger automation firms that need extra engineers.

Day rate or fixed price per project, plus paid callouts for fault-finding and support once a system is running.

• PLC programming (for example Siemens, Allen-Bradley or similar)
• Electrical and control systems knowledge
• Fault-finding under pressure
• Clear communication with engineers and operators

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, as a programming fault could cause costly downtime
• Machinery safety rules and standards: check what applies to the equipment you work on, including UKCA or CE marking and risk assessments
• If you work through agencies, check whether IR35 applies to your contracts
• Software licences for PLC programming tools can be expensive, so check the cost before you commit
• Many sites ask for safety inductions or contractor accreditation before you can start, so check requirements early

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your laptop, programming software licences, test equipment and insurance. Software licences for PLC tools can be expensive, so check costs before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on how many days you work, the clients you win and your day rate. Estimates suggest a minimum of around 15 hours a week.

Check which machinery safety rules and standards apply to your equipment, including UKCA or CE marking and risk assessments. Also check insurance cover, whether IR35 applies to agency contracts, and site induction or accreditation requirements.