Lead Engineer Software

Etteplan; Nederland; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Professional development

Job summary

Etteplan is seeking an experienced Lead Engineer Software to drive the technical development of software for complex high‑tech machines. You will own software design, architecture and delivery, collaborating with system engineers, process engineers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration with hardware and control systems.

Leadersh ip mindset, strong hands‑on software skills, and the ability to guide engineers across the project lifecycle are essential.

Qualifications

• Completed degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• At least five years in software engineering within high‑tech machines or analytical systems.
• Experience developing software for industrial automation and machine control.
• Proficiency with PLC programming (B&R/Siemens/Beckhoff/Allen-Bradley).
• OO programming, motion control and robotics experience.
• Familiarity with V-model and Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Excellent Dutch and English communication skills.
• Willing to travel internationally about 1–2 weeks per year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development and implementation of software for complex high‑tech machines.
• Translate customer requirements into clear software specs and robust solutions.
• Define software architectures, principles and standards.
• Own software-related technical decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coach software engineers and ensure high‑quality deliverables.
• Improve software engineering processes, tools and practices.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure software integrates with electrical/mechanical/control systems.
• Provide technical support during service, troubleshooting and optimization.

Skills

Technical leadership

Software engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Dutch & English communication

Problem-solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's or Master in Software Eng./Industrial Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

B&R PLC

Siemens PLC

Beckhoff PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

V-model

Agile/Scrum

Job description

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced Lead Engineer Software to lead the technical development of advanced software solutions for complex high-tech machines and equipment. In this role, you will translate customer requirements and system specifications into robust, reliable and maintainable software solutions.

Operating at the intersection of software engineering, industrial automation and mechatronics, you will take technical ownership of software development throughout the project lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with customers, system engineers, process engineers and multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration between software, hardware, mechanics and control systems.

Combining strong technical expertise with a hands‑on mentality and leadership skills, you will guide software engineers, drive technical decision‑making and contribute to the successful delivery of innovative engineering projects.

Contributing to cost estimates for instance, for quotations and taking the lead in determining the requirements (such as capacity, expertise, hardware, etc.) needed to successfully execute a project. Provide support to the service department (for existing machines already in the field at customers internationally)

Your main responsibilities

Software Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, development and implementation of software for complex high-tech machines and industrial automation systems.
• Translate customer requirements and system specifications into clear software requirements and robust technical solutions.
• Define and maintain software architectures, design principles and technical standards.
• Take ownership of software-related technical decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Guide and support internal and external software engineers, ensuring technical consistency and high-quality deliverables.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software engineering processes, tools and development practices.

System Integration & Project Execution

• Work according to the V-model within multidisciplinary engineering projects, from the acquisition and concept phases through to commissioning and delivery.
• Collaborate with system engineers and customers to define and validate software-related user requirements.
• Ensure effective integration of software with electrical, mechanical and control systems.
• Debug, test, validate and commission software in collaboration with the project team.
• Support factory acceptance testing and resolve complex software-related technical issues.
• Provide technical support during service, troubleshooting and optimisation activities.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a technical sparring partner for customers, project managers and engineering colleagues.
• Translate customer needs into functional requirements and feasible and effective software solutions.
• Communicate technical concepts, risks and design decisions clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Build trusted working relationships with customers and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Identify technical risks and dependencies at an early stage and take appropriate corrective action.

Team Leadership & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide technical direction and coaching to software engineers.
• Coordinate software development activities within small to medium-sized project teams.
• Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Support the development of engineering capabilities, technical standards and best practices.
• Balance hands‑on software development with technical coordination and leadership responsibilities.

Your skills skills and experience

• A completed bachelor's or master's degree in Software Engineering, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics or a related technical discipline.
• At least five years of relevant software engineering experience, preferably in high‑tech machine building, semiconductor equipment, production machines or analytical systems.
• Proven experience in developing software for industrial automation and complex machine‑control applications.
• Knowledge of PLC programming, preferably B&R, Siemens, Beckhoff or Allen‑Bradley.
• Experience with object‑oriented programming, motion control and robotics.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments and applying the V-model.
• Familiarity with Agile and Scrum methodologies.
• Experience providing technical leadership or coordinating software engineers within engineering projects.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, combined with a structured approach to software design and development.
• Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English.
• Willingness to travel internationally occasionally, approximately one to two weeks per year.

We offer you

• A challenging engineering role within an international and innovative high-tech environment.
• Opportunities to work on advanced machinery, industrial automation and complex mechatronic systems.
• The opportunity to combine hands‑on software engineering with technical leadership.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and leading technology-driven customers.
• Scope for professional development, technical specialisation and leadership growth.
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative engineering solutions and continuously improve software development practices.
• A competitive employment package in line with your experience, expertise and responsibilities.
• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on engineering quality, project performance and customer satisfaction.