Senior Software Engineer (Automation)

SCX; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based engineering firm is looking for a Senior Software (Automation) Engineer based in Sheffield. This role involves leading the design, development, and testing of software systems for advanced control panels while managing a small team. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in software development within control systems, strong programming skills, and the ability to ensure compliance with safety standards. We offer a flexible working environment along with a robust benefits package including generous holiday allowances and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Flexible Start and Finish Times

Pension Scheme

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Holiday purchase scheme

Long Service Awards

Employee Referral Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in software development within a control systems environment.
• Strong understanding of communication protocols like Modbus and Ethernet/IP.
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small software team to develop software applications for control systems.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers for software-hardware integration.
• Commission software at the test facility and validate system performance.

Skills

Software development in control systems

Experience with Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLCs

Programming in C/C++ and Python

Understanding of control systems and communication protocols

Experience in software testing and commissioning

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Tools

Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix)

SCADA systems

Job description

SCX is a UK-based engineering business with a reputation for innovation, precision, and delivery in complex mechanical handling and kinetic architecture systems. With a portfolio spanning world-class projects in Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear, Sports & Entertainment, and Infrastructure sectors, SCX continues to invest in its people, processes, and operational capability to meet growing demand and exceed customer expectations.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Software (Automation) Engineer plays a vital role in leading the design, development, testing, and commissioning of software systems that support the operation of advanced control panels used at SCX's test facility and client sites. This position ensures seamless integration between software and hardware, enabling safe and reliable system performance in real-world environments.

Managing a small software team, the Senior Software (Automation) Engineer provides technical expertise across the full development lifecycle - from concept through to commissioning - while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Software Design & Development

• Manage a small software team to develop robust and scalable software applications for control systems that meet operational, safety, and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with hardware and electrical engineers to ensure effective integration between software and control panel components.
• Write, test, and review high-quality code, implementing algorithms and communication protocols suited to control environments.
• Optimise software performance through debugging, simulation, and iterative testing.
• Commission software at the in-house test facility and on-site, validating system performance against design specifications.
• Produce and maintain testing documentation to verify compliance with functional and safety requirements.
• Participate in on-site commissioning activities, resolving real-time issues affecting software and control system interaction.
• Support the commissioning team in diagnosing and rectifying integration challenges between software and hardware.

Project Management

• Deliver software solutions on time, within scope, and aligned with technical and safety standards.
• Manage development tasks effectively, maintaining clear documentation and reporting progress to project leads.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and commissioning engineers to align software design with system requirements.
• Collaborate with the commissioning team to resolve cross-disciplinary integration challenges.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all software systems and related commissioning activities comply with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Implement fail-safe mechanisms and perform safety reviews to maintain system integrity and compliance.
• Maintain detailed documentation of commissioning procedures, system configurations, test results, and modifications.

Maintenance & Support

• Troubleshoot software-related issues identified during testing or reported by end-users.
• Provide software updates, fixes, and support throughout the system lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including codebases, configuration files, and user instructions.
• Identify opportunities to enhance software performance, usability, and hardware integration.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of tools, processes, and best practices to improve software development and commissioning efficiency.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in software development, ideally within a control systems, automation, or industrial engineering environment.
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix)
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley HMI / SCADA systems
• Industrial automation including motors and drives.
• Proficient in software programming languages relevant to control systems (e.g. C/C++, Python, structured text, ladder logic, etc.).
• Strong understanding of control systems, communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP), and hardware integration.
• Experience with software testing, commissioning, and fault diagnosis in real-world environments.
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development and associated standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Organised and self-motivated, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of version control systems and documentation tools.
• Understanding of SCADA or PLC systems is advantageous.
• Large motive machines

Location: Sheffield

• Flexible Start and Finish Times: Shape your day with flexible start and finish times around our core working hours.
• Pension Scheme: We operate a salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Annual Leave: New starters receive 25 days of holiday, plus statutory bank holidays.
• Need a Few More Days? Our holiday purchase scheme lets you buy up to 3 additional days of holiday each year.
• Long Service Awards: After 5 years with us, your holiday entitlement increases by 1 day. After 10 years, it increases by another day.
• Employee Referral Scheme: Refer suitable candidates who align with our values, and you’ll be rewarded for helping us build a great team.