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Flexible Engineering Resource

Contract PLC Engineers & Robot Programmers
Available for Hire Across the UK.

The same experienced robot programmers, PLC engineers and electricians who deliver our turnkey projects — available to your team on a flexible day rate or contract basis.

Discuss Your Requirements0121 798 9063
What We Offer

Expert Engineers,
Flexible Terms.

Sometimes you need an extra pair of highly skilled hands — not a full turnkey project. Whether you're facing a skills gap, a tight deadline, a project overrun or a period of peak demand, Duke Control Systems can provide experienced engineers on a flexible basis to work as part of your team.

These are the same senior engineers who deliver our own complex automation projects. They arrive on your site ready to contribute from day one — no lengthy onboarding, no learning curve. Just experienced professionals who have done the work before.

Available on daily, weekly or monthly contracts across the UK.

Discuss Your Requirements
Engineers on site
Our Disciplines

Three Specialist Disciplines.
One Trusted Partner.

All engineers are Duke Control Systems employees — vetted, experienced and familiar with the demands of live manufacturing environments.

Robot Programmers

Experienced robot programmers available for commissioning support, program development, fault-finding and optimisation.

  • ABB, FANUC, KUKA & Yaskawa
  • Welding, handling & palletising
  • Commissioning & go-live support
  • Program development & optimisation
  • Fault diagnosis & breakdown support
  • Multi-robot cell experience

PLC / Software Engineers

Senior control systems engineers for PLC programming, SCADA development, commissioning and ongoing support.

  • Siemens, Rockwell & Mitsubishi
  • Schneider & Modicon
  • HMI & SCADA development
  • Safety systems & functional safety
  • Commissioning & site support
  • Legacy system upgrades

Electricians

Qualified industrial electricians for installation, termination, fault-finding and maintenance in manufacturing environments.

  • Panel wiring & termination
  • Cable installation & management
  • Field device installation
  • Fault diagnosis & breakdown cover
  • Planned preventative maintenance
  • 17th Edition qualified
When It Makes Sense

Situations Where Flexible
Resource Makes a Difference

Project Overruns

Your commissioning is running behind schedule and you need additional experienced engineers on site to recover the programme.

Skills Gaps

You have an internal team but need specialist expertise — a specific robot platform, PLC system or safety qualification — for a particular phase.

Peak Demand

You have more work than your current team can handle and need to scale up quickly without the commitment of a permanent hire.

Planned Shutdowns

Annual shutdowns and planned maintenance periods often require a temporary surge in engineering resource to complete all tasks on time.

Covering Absence

Covering maternity leave, long-term sickness or unexpected departures within your engineering team without disrupting ongoing projects.

Trying Before Committing

Working with Duke engineers on a flexible basis is a great way to experience our quality before committing to a larger turnkey project.

"Duke Control Systems delivered a complex multi-robot commissioning project on time and within budget. Their engineers are highly experienced, professional, and their attention to detail in the commissioning phase was excellent."
Senior Project Manager — Tier 1 Automotive Supplier
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide contract PLC engineers on a day rate?

Yes — we provide experienced contract PLC engineers on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Our engineers are Duke Control Systems employees or part of our trusted network, not random agency contractors, so you get consistent quality and accountability.

Which robot brands do your contract engineers cover?

Our robot programmers have hands-on experience with ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa, Stäubli, Comau and Universal Robots — covering welding, handling, palletising and assembly applications.

How quickly can you mobilise an engineer to site?

In most cases we can mobilise within 24–48 hours for urgent requirements. For planned projects we recommend as much lead time as possible to ensure the right engineer is available.

Do you cover the whole of the UK?

Yes — our engineers are based in Birmingham but work on sites across the UK, including automotive plants, FMCG facilities, logistics hubs and life sciences manufacturers nationwide.

What is the minimum contract length?

We are flexible — we can provide engineers for a single day, a week, a month or longer. There is no minimum commitment, although longer engagements allow us to plan resource more effectively.

Do you provide labour only or full project management too?

Both. We offer pure labour hire where our engineer works under your direction, as well as fully managed turnkey projects where we take ownership of the entire scope. Many clients start with flexible resource and move to turnkey as the relationship develops.

Need engineers on site?

Tell us what you need — the platform, the discipline, the timescale — and we'll let you know what we can do. No obligation, no lengthy process.

Discuss Your Requirements 0121 798 9063 Available UK Nationwide

Employed by Duke

Our engineers are Duke employees — same values, same standards, same quality every time.

Immediately Productive

Experienced professionals who arrive ready to contribute from day one — no lengthy onboarding required.

Fully Insured

All our engineers work under Duke Control Systems' full professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

Flexible Terms

Day rate, weekly or monthly contracts. Scale up or down as your project demands change.

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