At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop software for cutting-edge airport security and automation systems.
- Company: Join a specialist engineering team in the heart of Cheshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international travel, and long-term career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global projects in a dynamic environment.
- 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 Widnes 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 competitive salary and a clear pathway to permanent employment. With international travel opportunities and involvement in the complete software development lifecycle, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Design Engineer in Widnes
✨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 and 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 crucial in our field.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Design Engineer in Widnes
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 TIA Portal and S7 PLC platforms, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on in industrial automation or material handling systems.
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 skills align with our needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your troubleshooting skills and ability to work in high-throughput environments.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills in your application. Include details about your experience with control software architectures, industrial communications, and any relevant certifications. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATA Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Siemens TIA Portal and S7 PLC platforms. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've used these tools in real-world scenarios. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tech, but that you can apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved software issues in operational environments. Think of a couple of challenging situations you've faced and how you tackled them. This will demonstrate your troubleshooting abilities and your experience in high-throughput automated settings.
✨Understand the Full Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the complete software development lifecycle, from concept to deployment. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed at each stage in previous roles, especially in relation to factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT). This shows that you can see the bigger picture.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to industrial communications and networking technologies. Brush up on protocols like Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP. Being able to confidently answer these questions will highlight your expertise and readiness for the role.
