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
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
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 Farnworth 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. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous learning and professional growth, offering competitive salaries and a clear pathway to permanent employment. With international travel opportunities and involvement in cutting-edge projects, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the industrial automation sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Design Engineer in Farnworth
✨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 the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to industrial automation or software design. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and scenarios specific to software design engineering. Practice explaining your thought process and problem-solving approach, as this is often just as important as the right answer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Design Engineer in Farnworth
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 in industrial automation. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your willingness to travel for commissioning and customer support – it’s a big plus for us!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially around software development tools and industrial protocols. We love seeing specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATA Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in 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 implemented these technologies.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved software issues in live environments. Highlight your troubleshooting techniques and any successful outcomes from your interventions.
✨Understand the Full Project Lifecycle
Be ready to talk about your experience across the entire project lifecycle, from design to deployment. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with different engineering teams and what your role was in ensuring project success.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve provided support to field engineers and customers during installations.
