Automation Software Engineer

Renishaw; Wotton-under-Edge; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Renishaw's Encoder Products Division (EPD) designs and supplies position feedback technology for precision manufacturing and automation. The Automation Software Engineer role focuses on LabVIEW-based systems, integrating instrumentation, motion systems, machine vision, real-time and FPGA hardware with production equipment.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable, maintainable software from development through commissioning and production support, emphasising safety,

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in software, engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical discipline.
• Practical experience developing automation, test, control or production software.
• Experience integrating software with physical equipment such as sensors, cameras or data acquisition hardware.
• LabVIEW development skills with structured design, debugging and hardware integration.
• Ability to write clear technical requirements and documentation.
• Ability to work with evolving requirements while prioritising safety and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, deploy and maintain automation and production software.
• Focus on LabVIEW applications including Real-Time and FPGA systems.
• Translate needs into testable software requirements and implementation plans.
• Develop modular, readable, maintainable software with proper documentation.
• Integrate software with sensors, motion controllers, cameras and data acquisition hardware.
• Develop and maintain database integrations for settings and production data.
• Plan verification, validation, commissioning and fault investigations.

Skills

LabVIEW development

Requirements writing

Clear communication

Team collaboration

Instrumentation integration

Education

Degree or equivalent in software, engineering, mathematics, physics, or related technical discipline

Tools

LabVIEW Real-Time

FPGA systems

SQL Server

JSON data handling

IMAQ

C#

Mitsubishi PLCs

Job description

Renishaw’s Encoder Products Division (EPD) designs and supplies cutting-edge position feedback technology to the world’s precision measurement, automation, and manufacturing industries. It is highly likely that something you own contains a part or device that was manufactured with the help of one of Renishaw’s encoder products.

EPD is made up of engineers, scientists and technicians all working together to produce market leading products for sale around the world. We start with cutting edge optical, algorithm and circuit design, developing our own ASICs and sensors where required; we then use innovative mechanical engineering to turn our core technology into a range of desirable products for our broad customer base.

Working closely with colleagues in our manufacturing division, we develop manufacturing and assembly processes and software to deliver quality products by the hundreds of thousands that in turn, perform reliably and repeatedly to sub‑micron accuracies for our customers.

Automation Software Engineer designs, develops, integrates, tests and supports automation, control and production software used to manufacture, test and de‑risk products.

The role has a strong focus on LabVIEW-based systems and combines software engineering with practical integration of instrumentation, motion systems, machine vision, real‑time and FPGA hardware, databases and production equipment.

The engineer works closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders to deliver reliable, maintainable and well‑documented solutions from early development through commissioning and production support.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, deploy and maintain automation and production software, with a strong focus on LabVIEW applications and LabVIEW Real‑Time / FPGA systems
• Translate product, process and stakeholder needs into clear, testable software requirements and practical implementation plans
• Develop modular, readable and maintainable software using appropriate architectures and associated documentation
• Integrate software with sensors, instruments, motion controllers, cameras, data‑acquisition hardware, embedded targets, PLCs and third‑party equipment
• Develop and maintain database integrations for settings, traceability, test results and production data, including SQL queries and structured data handling
• Plan and carry out software verification, validation, commissioning and fault investigation, recording evidence and resolving defects methodically
• Work closely with product owners, production engineers, operators and mechanical, electronics, firmware and software engineers

Key requirements

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in software, engineering, mathematics, physics or a related technical discipline
• Practical experience developing automation, test, control or production software.
• Experience integrating software with physical equipment such as instruments, sensors, cameras, motion systems or data‑acquisition hardware
• LabVIEW development skills, including structured application design, debugging and hardware integration
• Ability to write clear requirements, technical documentation and test evidence.
• Ability to work effectively from incomplete or evolving requirements while maintaining focus on safety, quality, reliability and supportability
• Clear communication and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering and production teams
• Experience working with LabVIEW Real‑Time and FPGA systems.
• Experience with machine vision and camera integration, including NI Vision or IMAQ-based systems
• Experience with industrial or serial communications, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, RS‑232/RS‑485, VISA or product‑specific command protocols
• Experience with SQL Server, production databases, traceability systems, JSON data and structured test‑result storage
• Experience with C# or Mitsubishi PLCs
• Knowledge of automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, package management and formal software release processes
• Understanding of production change control, validation, concessions and process change authorisation
• Experience coaching colleagues or supporting the technical development of graduates and junior engineers
• Knowledge of process capability, Six Sigma concepts and statistical analysis