Automation Software Engineer

Cellular Origins; Hartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering biotechnology firm in the UK is seeking a PLC Software Engineer to design and implement control systems for manufacturing cell therapies. You will deliver integrated control solutions, collaborate with engineers, and enhance the existing PLC code base. Ideal candidates will have experience with PLC programming and automation, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with industry protocols. This is a full-time, on-site position at the firm's campus, offering various benefits including an annual bonus and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Annual bonus

25 days holiday

Employer pension contribution of 10% of salary

Free lunch and refreshments

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family friendly leave

Life insurance worth 6x salary

Electric car leasing scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Experience in PLC programming for industrial automation.
• Track record of delivering control software projects on time.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement PLC control systems.
• Deliver PLC systems integrating with factory software.
• Write modular and maintainable code.

Skills

PLC programming for industrial automation

Beckhoff, Rockwell, or Siemens PLCs

Problem-solving skills

Debugging complex PLC systems

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

EtherCAT

Python

Java

C#

Modern C++

Job description

Overview

You will design and implement PLC control systems using Beckhoff TwinCAT. You will be responsible for delivering PLC systems that integrate with Cellular Origins' factory software architecture to allow remote control of machines used in the production of cell therapies. This could include motion control for custom pumping systems designed to precisely transfer small quantities of fluid, system monitoring, safety systems for mobile robots or custom test rigs. Working with software and electrical engineers, you will help to deliver process stations for cell therapy manufacturing. You will write modular and maintainable code and contribute to the continuous improvement of our PLC code base, improving test coverage and maximising code re-use.

Responsibilities

You will have experience of PLC software development for industrial automation, including control of servo motors and other low-level control systems. You will have a track record of delivering control software projects in a timely manner. You will be able to work in an iterative manner implementing testable slices of functionality to build on.

Qualifications

• Experience in PLC programming for industrial automation, using Beckhoff, Rockwell, Siemens or similar PLCs
• A proven track record of designing, implementing, validating and maintaining PLC-driven control system throughout the full engineering lifecycle
• Development using structured text or other IEC 61131-3 languages
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, such as EtherCAT and IO-Link
• Experience of servomotor control and devices such as load cells and proximity sensors
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and machine layouts
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug complex PLC systems
• This role will be a full time on-site position at our campus in Melbourn.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinSAFE or Safety PLCs.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, C#, modern C++
• Experience with modern communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, REST APIs, OPC UA) for connectivity with higher-level systems.

Benefits

• Annual bonus
• 25 days holiday
• Employer pension contribution of 10% of salary
• Free lunch and all-day refreshments
• Private medical insurance for employees and dependants
• Enhanced family friendly leave
• Life insurance worth 6x salary
• Electric car leasing scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Activities and community that supports healthy activities that bring colleagues together; whether it's lunchtime squash or football, Zumba or our own rock band. Colleagues initiate new clubs and outings whenever they feel there's something missing!

Cellular Origins is based on the TTP Campus, within purpose-built sustainable offices, labs and green surroundings, 10 miles south of Cambridge. Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas and collaboration, while providing you the freedom to do your best work.