At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and validate PLC software for a high-profile automation project.
- Company: Established manufacturer known for precision sensing technology in regulated sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hands-on experience, and a close-knit team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical projects while enhancing your skills in automation.
- Qualifications: Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and understanding of automation systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 57 £ per hour.
Are you an experienced PLC Software Engineer with Siemens TIA Portal expertise and a background in Defence or regulated industrial environments, looking for a hands-on contract supporting a genuinely high-profile automation project? Do you enjoy working from specification through to implementation, validation and commissioning on complex control systems?
My client is an established manufacturer of precision sensing and monitoring technology, delivering solutions used across a range of regulated sectors including defence, energy, and industrial environments. They have built a strong reputation for reliability and operational integrity, with products used in demanding and safety-critical settings.
Deliver PLC Software for a Live MOD Project
This is a hands-on contract supporting the software delivery phase of a specialist automation and alarm monitoring system, with the architectural design already complete. You will be working from specification through to implementation, taking ownership of PLC software development, digital communications and platform management system integration. You will be working closely with a small, focused project team, reporting into the Embedded Software Engineering Manager.
Your responsibilities:
- Your day-to-day work will involve developing and validating PLC software using Siemens TIA Portal, working across the full scope from function blocks down to structured text.
- You will need a strong understanding of automation systems, taking designs from specification through to implementation, and will play a key role in validating logic and estimating effort accurately across the project.
- You will also need to work within defined standards and compliance requirements relevant to the sector, and will be integrating digital communications and platform management systems as part of the wider project delivery.
What We’re Looking For
To be successful in this role, you will need proven experience as a Siemens TIA Portal expert, with a strong understanding of automation systems and the ability to work confidently from specification through to implementation. You should be comfortable working to defined standards and compliance requirements, with good estimating and validation skills. Experience within Defence, MOD or other regulated industrial environments would be a strong advantage. You will need to be eligible to work on UK Defence projects and hold the required security clearance (SC).
Why Apply?
This is a genuine opportunity to deliver hands-on PLC software work on a fascinating, high-integrity project, for a well-established business with a strong reputation in precision sensing technology. You will be working in a fully office-based, close-knit team environment, with real ownership over the software delivery phase of the project.
Ganymede 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.
Controls Software Engineer employer: Ganymede Solutions
Ganymede Solutions is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful role in the rail industry, offering a competitive salary and a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance. With a strong commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills within a supportive culture that values health, safety, quality, and environmental excellence across projects in the South of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Software Engineer
✨Get Involved in Automation Communities
Join online groups and forums where automation enthusiasts hang out, like certain subreddits or dedicated Facebook groups. Share your insights, ask questions, and connect with others in the field—it's a great way to find freelance opportunities and showcase your expertise.
✨Build a Standout Portfolio
Make sure you’ve got a killer portfolio that highlights your past automation projects. Whether you’ve developed control systems or automated industrial processes, displaying your work visually can help attract clients. Don’t forget to include testimonials from previous collaborations to boost your credibility!
✨Reach Out to Local Businesses
Many companies are on the lookout for freelancers with automation skills but don’t know where to find them. Visit local manufacturers or businesses that could benefit from optimising their systems, and pitch your services. A personal connection can make all the difference!
✨Explore Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye out for automation and control systems conferences or networking events happening nearby. Attend these gatherings to meet potential clients or collaborators face-to-face—plus, it’s a chance to keep up with industry trends that can inform your freelance projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance role in automation control systems, it's all about showcasing your projects. Include detailed case studies or examples of past work in your portfolio that demonstrate your technical skills and innovative solutions, especially the ones that highlight your experience with control systems or automation processes relevant to Ganymede Solutions.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Get your certifications front and centre! Many clients in the automation and control systems field value industry-specific qualifications. Be sure to emphasise any relevant certificates you've earned that pertain to automation technologies or software; this can really help you stand out to Ganymede Solutions.
Include Your Rates and Availability:As a freelancer, transparency is key. In your application, clearly state your rates and your availability for projects. This allows Ganymede Solutions to assess if you’re a good fit for their budget and timelines without back-and-forth discussions.
Tailor Your CV Specifically to the Role:Your CV should be tailored for the automation control systems niche. Focus on sector-specific skills, such as familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and any relevant software. Make sure to adapt your experience to showcase how it aligns with the needs of Ganymede Solutions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ganymede Solutions
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure you bring along a well-curated portfolio that highlights your past automation and control system projects. We want to showcase not just the final results but also the process, challenges, and solutions you implemented. This gives potential clients like Ganymede Solutions real insight into how you work and what you can deliver.
✨Get Ready for Technical Questions
In this field, you might be quizzed on specific automation tools and programming languages you’ve used. Brush up on common queries about PLCs, SCADA systems, or any relevant software like Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Automation. Being prepared to discuss these will certainly set you apart from other freelancers.
✨Understand Their Needs
Since you’ll be freelancing, it’s important to grasp what Ganymede Solutions actually requires beyond just the technical skills. Get a good grip on their current systems and any pain points they’re facing. Tailoring your proposal to show how you can resolve these issues will elevate your standing in the interview.
✨Be Transparent with Rates
Freelance roles are all about negotiation, so be upfront about your rates based on your experience and the value you bring. Be prepared to discuss not just your hourly rate but also project-based costs. We need to demonstrate flexibility while still ensuring you're fairly compensated for your expertise in automation-control systems.
