Software Project Engineer Motherwell

Holt Engineering; Fenny Stratford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence company in Motherwell is seeking a Contract Software Engineer to develop high-quality software products for UK defence projects. The role offers a hybrid working model with an initial onsite period, followed by flexible arrangements. Candidates must have a background in Instrumentation & Control Engineering and experience in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and DCS. Security clearance is required for this position.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Long-term contract potential

Professional environment with expert teams

Qualifications

• Experience in developing software products aligned with aerospace and defence standards.
• Ability to collaborate within a cross-functional engineering team.
• Proficient in translating system requirements into robust software designs.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, high-quality software products.
• Collaborate within a cross-functional engineering team.
• Translate system requirements into robust software designs.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

Understanding of engineering standards

Education

Background in Instrumentation & Control Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Contract Software Engineer - Aerospace & Defence, Motherwell, Scotland

Day rate: £45-£60 per hour (DOE). 37.5 hours per week. Initial 6-month contract (likely extension up to 23 months).

Are you an experienced Software Engineer seeking your next contract in a high-integrity, mission-critical industry? This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-respected aerospace and defence business based in Motherwell, working on cutting-edge technologies that support UK defence capabilities.

Why This Opportunity

• Long-term contract potential - initial 6 months with strong likelihood of extension up to 23 months.
• Hybrid working - initial period on-site followed by a flexible remote/on-site pattern.
• High-impact projects - contribute to major UK defence systems and aerospace technologies.
• Professional environment - join a multi-disciplinary team of experts and gain exposure to advanced engineering standards.

Working Pattern

First 3 months: Full-time onsite in Motherwell

After 3 months: Hybrid model - 1 week onsite, 3 weeks remote (subject to business needs).

Day Rate

£45 - £60 per hour, depending on experience (Outside IR35).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, high-quality software products aligned with established aerospace and defence standards.
• Collaborate within a cross-functional engineering team throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Translate system requirements into robust software designs, implement, test, and support integration and deployment.
• Take technical ownership of deliverables and contribute to mentoring junior team members.
• Support design assurance, configuration management, documentation, and release processes to meet quality and compliance requirements.

What You'll Bring

• Background in Instrumentation & Control Engineering or a related discipline.
• Practical experience or working knowledge of:
• PLC programming
• SCADA systems
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Strong understanding of engineering standards and quality processes within high-assurance industries.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the work: Applicants must be UK citizens, born in the UK. Must be eligible to undergo and pass security vetting procedures.

This role offers a rare chance to apply your technical skills to nationally significant projects in a secure and well-established engineering environment. If you're a contractor looking to make an impact in the aerospace and defence sector - this is your next move.

Apply directly or get in touch (url removed)