Field Service Electrical Software Engineer

SYNTEGON; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global packaging solutions leader is seeking a Field Service Software Engineer to support international clients with on-site installations and commissioning of advanced machinery. The role involves a significant amount of travel (around 70%) and requires strong expertise in automation systems, particularly with Allen-Bradley and Beckhoff equipment. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of relevant experience, excellent problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills to advise customers effectively. Extensive technical training and a competitive salary are offered, along with great benefits such as a company car and generous pension.

Benefits

Competitive salary with regular reviews

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme with Aviva

Company Car

Life assurance of 7 x annual salary

Simply Health medical cashback plan

Income protection after 2 years

Cycle to Work and Tech schemes

Wellbeing support through Everymind

Extensive technical training

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in software/automation.
• Hands-on with PLCs, motion control, HMI.
• Strong problem-solving skills and customer focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead installations and commissioning of automation systems.
• Validate PLC logic and HMI applications.
• Troubleshoot PLC and motion control issues.
• Produce service reports and train users.

Skills

Software/automation experience

PLC programming

Diagnostics and commissioning

Customer communication

Education

HND or equivalent engineering qualification

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Beckhoff platforms

HMIs

Servo systems

Motion control systems

Job description

Company Description

Together with 6,900 colleagues worldwide, we are the strategic lifecycle partner for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries. With seamless processes, innovative technologies, and sustainable solutions, we help our customers achieve their goals. For example, we ensure that vaccines are safely filled and that tablets can fully release their active ingredients. Your favorite chocolate and snacks are also sustainably packaged with our help.

Syntegon Packaging Solutions B.V., located in Weert, is part of the Syntegon Group. In Weert we are Center of Competence for vertical form, fill and seal machines within the Syntegon Group. Here we develop and produce technologies for a wide range of food and non-food products, including stand‑alone machines and system solutions with various process steps from weighing and dosing to vertical bagging, cartoning, case packing, and palletizing.

Job Description

Field Service Software Engineer, International (≈70% travel)

Join Syntegon as a technical ambassador to our global customers, installing, commissioning and optimising advanced packaging machines and automation systems. This hands‑on role suits an experienced automation engineer who thrives on travel, customer interaction and solving complex software and motion‑control challenges on site.

You will lead on‑site installations, commissioning and customer handovers for mechanical, electrical and software elements of Syntegon machines and systems. You’ll be responsible for ensuring machines meet performance specifications through FATs in Bristol and SATs at customer sites, and for delivering clear documentation and training.

As Field Service Software Engineer you will configure, test and validate PLC control systems, HMIs, servo drives and motion modules, and set up industrial communication networks. You will execute functional checks and performance verification, diagnose and resolve software and integration faults, and provide remote support when not travelling.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on‑site installation and commissioning of automation systems (mechanical, electrical and software).
• Configure and validate PLC logic, HMI applications, servo/motion systems and networks (Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP).
• Perform FATs in Bristol and SATs at customer sites; complete functional and performance verification.
• Troubleshoot PLC, motion control, communication and electrical integration issues; provide remote diagnostics.
• Install software/firmware updates, carry out modernisation projects and recommend reliability/performance improvements.
• Produce detailed service reports and handover documentation; train operators and maintenance staff.
• Liaise with project managers, service coordinators and engineering teams globally to feed back field insights.

Qualifications

You are a pragmatic, customer‑focused automation engineer with solid software and motion control experience and the ability to stay calm under pressure. You enjoy working autonomously on site, building strong customer relationships and translating field experience into practical machine improvements.

Essential skills & experience

• Minimum 7 years’ software/automation experience (PLC programming, diagnostics and commissioning).
• Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley and/or Beckhoff platforms, HMIs, servo systems and motion control.
• Familiarity with industrial networks (Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP) and the ability to read electrical/automation schematics.
• HND or equivalent engineering qualification; experience in packaging machinery, food automation or high‑speed manufacturing is a strong advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, excellent customer communication, and a professional, autonomous work style.
• Good IT literacy.

Other requirements

This role involves frequent international travel and flexible availability for customer needs and service interventions. Candidates must be eligible for global travel and hold the necessary local driving documentation.

Must‑haves

• Willingness to travel globally up to ~70%, often on short notice.
• Valid passport and eligibility for international travel.
• Full UK driving licence.

Additional Information

You’ll join an international team working on leading packaging technology, with strong investment in your technical development and career growth. We provide competitive pay, travel allowances and comprehensive training to keep your skills at the cutting edge.

Benefits highlights

• Competitive salarywith regular reviews
• 25 days’ holidayplus bank holidays to recharge
• Generous pension schemewith Aviva
• Company Car
• Life assuranceof 7 x annual salary for peace of mind
• Simply Health medical cashback planfor everyday healthcare costs
• Income protectionafter 2 years’ service
• Cycle to Work and Tech schemesto make life easier
• Wellbeing supportthrough Everymind at Work
• A friendly, social culture with regular activities and the chance to grow your career in aglobal company with a local spirit
• Extensive technical trainingon Syntegon platforms and equipment.

• International, varied projects with opportunities for career progression.