DV CLEARED - Senior Software Engineer

Hernshead Recruitment Ltd; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Software Engineer for a high-security project in Oxford. This role requires DV Clearance and strong experience in Siemens PLC and HMI systems. The engineer will manage software delivery, client interactions, and mentor junior staff, ensuring projects are executed to high standards and within budget. Candidates should have a proven track record in nuclear or defence sectors, showcasing leadership and a commitment to quality and safety.

Qualifications

• MOD DV Security Clearance is essential.
• Minimum 4+ years of Siemens software engineering experience.
• Proven experience in nuclear or highly regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead all software activities on assigned AWE Burghfield projects.
• Configure, develop and support Siemens PLC and HMI systems.
• Manage on-site testing and commissioning of control systems.
• Liaise directly with clients to ensure successful software delivery.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.

Skills

Siemens PLC programming

Siemens HMI experience

On-site commissioning

Leadership capability

Systems integration

Industrial cyber security

Education

Degree in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

About this role

We are supporting an AWE Burghfield project and are seeking a DV Cleared Senior Software Engineer to take full responsibility for software delivery on a high-security, site-based controls and automation project. This is a senior-level role requiring strong Siemens PLC and HMI experience, leadership capability, and proven delivery within regulated defence or nuclear environments.

The successful candidate will play a key role in software design, on-site testing and commissioning, client liaison, and the mentoring of junior engineers, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest quality standards.

Job Responsibilities

• Act as the site-based Senior Software Engineer, responsible for all software activities on assigned AWE Burghfield projects
• Configure, develop and support Siemens PLC and HMI systems
• Configure and support Siemens SCALANCE and Siemens network switching equipment
• Produce and execute on-site software test documentation, including FAT and SAT
• Carry out on-site testing and commissioning of PLC-based control systems
• Lead software specification, design and implementation activities
• Liaise directly with the client to ensure successful software delivery and stakeholder satisfaction
• Lead, mentor and develop other software engineers on site
• Oversee software resources, workload planning and technical delivery across the project
• Ensure delivery of contracts on time, within budget and to agreed scope
• Ensure all work complies with internal QESH and Integrated Management Systems, as well as regulatory and legal requirements
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and best practice in software engineering processes
• Demonstrate strong commitment to Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental standards at all times

Experience Required

• MOD DV Security Clearance (essential)
• Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline
• Minimum 4+ years of Siemens software engineering experience, including leadership within project environments
• Strong hands-on experience with:
  • Siemens PLC programming
  • Siemens HMIs
  • On-site commissioning and installation
• Proven experience within nuclear, defence or highly regulated environments
• Strong understanding of systems integration and industrial cyber security
• Experience delivering projects in line with budget, programme and quality requirements