At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise high-performance automated machinery and robotic systems.
- Company: Harwin plc, a family-owned precision engineering company with global ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days holiday, health cash plan, and pension.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Strong PLC programming experience and collaborative mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Company Harwin plc is a Portsmouth-based, family-owned precision engineering company on an ambitious global growth journey. With a strong international presence and a well-established partner network, the organisation has built a reputation over decades for quality, reliability, and long-term thinking. As an employer, Harwin offers a distinctive environment shaped by its heritage and forward-looking mindset. The business is currently investing significantly in technology, digital transformation, and ways of working, alongside the development of a new headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Portsmouth. This is a period of meaningful growth and evolution, with a clear ambition to scale capabilities and strengthen its global impact. At the same time, the values associated with family ownership remain central — fostering a culture that emphasises collaboration, accountability, and sustained success. For those looking to develop their careers, Harwin provides the opportunity to contribute to a growing organisation while being part of a team that values both innovation and long-term perspective.
The Opportunity We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer to play a pivotal role in developing and optimising high-performance automated machinery and robotic manufacturing systems. Working alongside an experienced and collaborative team, you’ll help drive innovation, improve production efficiency, and ensure our systems remain at the forefront of the connector industry.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Develop and maintain PLC programs (Mitsubishi iQ-R)
- Program and support Mitsubishi robotic systems (R-series)
- Configure and program Keyence vision systems (XG-X and CV-X)
- Integrate and program associated equipment (servo systems, RFID, inverters)
- Optimise and enhance existing software for performance and reliability
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong PLC programming experience (essential)
- Knowledge of Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and/or Function Blocks
- Understanding of electronics to support software development
- Ability to adapt across programming languages and systems
- High attention to detail and precision
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Experience with Mitsubishi or Keyence systems is beneficial but not essential — training can be provided.
Why Join Harwin?
- Competitive salary + bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra festive closure
- Company pension & life cover (3x salary)
- Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunity to work in a growing, future-focused organisation
- Be part of a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and long-term success
Be Part of Something Meaningful At Harwin, we combine the stability of a family-owned business with the ambition of a global leader. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career while making a real impact in a company investing in its people, technology, and future. Harwin is an equal opportunities employer committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all current and prospective employees. The organisation does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marital/civil partnership status.
Locations
Senior Software Engineer (R&D) in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Harwin Plc
Harwin plc is an exceptional employer located in Portsmouth, offering a unique blend of family-owned values and ambitious global growth. With a strong focus on employee development, collaboration, and innovation, the company provides a supportive work culture alongside competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, health cash plan, and opportunities for career advancement in a state-of-the-art facility. Joining Harwin means being part of a meaningful journey where your contributions directly impact the future of precision engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer (R&D) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Harwin Plc or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Harwin Plc.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Harwin Plc.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Harwin Plc that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer (R&D) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Harwin Plc.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Harwin Plc and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harwin Plc
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Harwin Plc uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
