At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop software for advanced airport security and automation systems.
- Company: Join a leading engineering team in Cheshire with global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international travel, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams and long-term career potential.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that enhance airport security worldwide.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in industrial software engineering and Siemens PLC expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: North West UK – Cheshire (must be based in the region)
Type: 6-Month Contract → Permanent (Full-time)
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000
On-site: 5 days per week (38 hours) with global travel required
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Software Design Engineer to join a specialist engineering team delivering advanced automated material handling and aviation security systems used in airports worldwide. This role focuses on the design, development, integration, testing, and commissioning of software solutions that control high-throughput conveyor, robotics, and automated screening systems. You will work across the full project lifecycle, from concept and software architecture through to deployment, commissioning, and ongoing support.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain software solutions for automated material handling and conveyor systems.
- Develop control software using Siemens TIA Portal and S7 PLC platforms.
- Create and maintain software architecture, functional specifications, and system documentation.
- Integrate software with robotics, HMI, SCADA, vision, and third-party control systems.
- Configure industrial networks, managed switches, VLANs, redundancy protocols, and cybersecurity measures.
- Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities.
- Diagnose and resolve software and system issues in live operational environments.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and project engineering teams throughout project delivery.
- Provide technical support to field engineers and customers during installation and deployment.
- Maintain version control, change management processes, and software documentation.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and development of engineering standards.
Essential Requirements
- Must be based in Cheshire.
- Strong experience developing software for industrial automation or material handling systems.
- Proven expertise with Siemens PLC platforms, including TIA Portal and S7 controllers.
- Experience designing and implementing control software architectures.
- Strong troubleshooting and fault-finding skills in operational environments.
- Understanding of industrial communications and networking technologies.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, system architecture drawings, and functional design specifications.
- Experience integrating robotics and automated systems.
- Willingness to travel internationally for commissioning and customer support activities.
- Experience working within high-throughput automated environments such as logistics, airports, warehousing, manufacturing, or aerospace.
Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in industrial software engineering, automation, controls, or related disciplines.
- Experience delivering automation projects within aerospace, automotive, logistics, airport, or industrial automation sectors.
- HND/HNC in Automation, Controls Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline (essential).
- Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar (desirable).
- Strong experience with Siemens software development tools and automation platforms.
- Knowledge of industrial protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, or OPC UA is advantageous.
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge airport security and automation systems deployed globally.
- Involvement throughout the complete software development lifecycle.
- International project exposure and travel opportunities.
- Long-term career development within a specialist high-growth engineering sector.
- Competitive salary package with a clear route to permanent employment.
- Collaborative environment working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Important Note
To be considered for this role please either hit the 'Apply' button on this site or email your CV directly to (url removed). I can also be contacted directly on (phone number removed). I look forward to hearing from you!
ATA Recruitment specialise in the recruitment of Engineers across the UK, so if this role is not for you, please do have a look on our website for further potential opportunities which may suit your skills and experience better.
You must be eligible to live and work within the UK. Sponsorship is not provided.
ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Software Design Engineer in Cheshire employer: ATA Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking engineering team in Cheshire, where you will have the opportunity to work on innovative airport security and automation systems that are deployed globally. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and professional growth, offering a clear pathway to permanent employment and international travel opportunities. With a competitive salary and a focus on employee development, we are committed to providing a rewarding and meaningful career for our Software Design Engineers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Design Engineer in Cheshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Software Design Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those involving Siemens PLC platforms or automated systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to industrial automation and software design. Practice explaining your thought process when troubleshooting issues, as this is key in operational environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Design Engineer in Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Siemens PLC platforms and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects where you've designed, developed, or integrated software solutions. This helps us understand your hands-on experience and how you tackle challenges in real-world scenarios.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATA Recruitment
✨Know Your Software Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the software development tools mentioned in the job description, especially Siemens TIA Portal and S7 PLC platforms. Brush up on your knowledge of industrial automation systems and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved software issues in live operational environments. Think of specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your troubleshooting abilities and practical experience.
✨Understand the Full Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the complete software development lifecycle, from concept to deployment. Be ready to discuss your experience in each phase, particularly in integration and testing, as this role requires collaboration across various engineering teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to control software architectures and industrial communications. Review key concepts like Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP, and be prepared to explain how you've integrated these technologies in past projects.
