Principal Software Engineer (PLCs)

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Tadcaster; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Hollybank Trustees Ltd in Tadcaster is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead software delivery for complex bespoke automation projects. In this role, you will oversee implementation, guide engineers, ensure compliance with software specifications, and deliver successful commissioning. The ideal candidate has expert experience in control software development and a degree in Engineering or Software. This position comes with a commitment to the highest standards in software engineering practices.

Qualifications

• Expert experience in control software development, including leading commissioning activities.
• Demonstrated experience leading software teams and projects from start to finish.
• Deep understanding of applying and validating SDS across project stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee software implementation for major automation projects.
• Create, review and validate SDS documents for accuracy and functional completeness.
• Delegate development tasks and ensure standards are maintained across the project team.

Skills

Control software development

PLC and HMI development

Leadership in software teams

Safety compliance

Technical expertise in vision/robotics

Education

Degree in Engineering, Software, or related discipline

Job description

Location: On site / Tadcaster LS24, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Engineering | General

Salary: Competitive salary

Principal Software Engineer

Tadcaster, UK

Purpose of the Role

To lead the software delivery for complex bespoke automation projects. The Principal Software Engineer ensures that software is implemented to the highest standards, guides engineers through the development and commissioning process, delegates technical tasks, and ensures compliance with Software Design Specifications (SDS) and company procedures.

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee software implementation for major automation projects.
• Create, review and validate SDS documents for accuracy and functional completeness.
• Delegate development tasks, monitor progress, and ensure standards are maintained across the project team.
• Conduct and lead SCRs for all major modules, ensuring clarity, quality, and traceability.
• Deliver software successfully through the commissioning phase for large or complex systems, coordinating software integration into the commissioning process.
• Act as the senior technical authority on projects, resolving issues, mentoring engineers, and supporting performance improvements.
• Work collaboratively, effectively, and efficiently across disciplines to ensure project success.
• Promote adherence to established development, documentation, and commissioning practices.

Outputs/Deliverables

• Project-compliant software systems delivered to specification, standards and project time frames.
• Validated SCRs and approved documentation across team members.
• Fully commissioned systems with fully documented outcomes as per Mpac process.
• Delegated task tracking and technical mentoring.
• Travel to customer sites on occasion for Software support and solutions.

Mpac Core Values

• Integrity
• Drive
• Expertise

Knowledge and Experience

• Expert experience in control software development, including leading commissioning activities.
• Demonstrated experience leading software teams and projects from start to finish.
• Deep understanding of applying and validating SDS across project stages.
• Technical expertise in system-level diagnostics, and safety compliance and integration.
• Experience coordinating with multi-discipline teams during large system deliveries.
• Technical expertise in vision, robotics, or motion tuning.

Technical Skills and Qualifications

• Expert-level PLC and HMI development across multiple platforms.
• Skilled in overseeing commissioning and managing technical escalations.
• Proficient in SCR practices and SDS interpretation.
• Experience with advanced automation technologies (robotics, vision, data).
• Familiarity with functional safety, standards compliance, and software lifecycle management.
• Degree in Engineering, Software, or related discipline.

Relationship

• Working relationships with: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Production and Build, Commissioning, Project Managers and Service (aftercare) team.

Mpac designs and manufactures automated packaging machines for companies worldwide. We operate in various segments of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, including Healthcare, Food & Beverage, and Pharma. We are part of the Mpac Group, with production facilities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, and sales and service offices in Singapore and Thailand. From these locations, we serve our customers globally.