At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and troubleshoot automation software in real-world environments across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join Hyster-Yale's innovative Frimley Robotics Engineering Centre, a leader in automation technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming the future of industrial automation with real impact.
- Qualifications: Hands-on software engineering skills and experience in applications engineering or technical support.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
Hyster-Yale's Frimley Robotics Engineering Centre is a hidden gem in the UK's autonomy landscape — a team of approximately 20 engineers building real automation technology for production-scale industrial trucks. The team targets approximately 500 automated units in 2026, against a backdrop of 100,000 vehicles manufactured annually. With a hands-on workshop and development lab on-site, this is a place where software, electrical, and mechanical engineers work together on tangible, deployed systems — not just simulations. The centre is based minutes from Junction 4 of the M3, close to Farnborough, Camberley, and Guildford, and within 25 minutes of three train stations. It is an on-site role (four days minimum), suited to engineers who want to work hands-on with real hardware in a collaborative, fast-moving team.
Role Summary
The Software Service / Automation Field Engineer is a hybrid software and field support role acting as the critical buffer between Hyster-Yale’s core engineering teams and customer sites across the UK and Europe. As the automation programme scales — with live deployments already operating in North America and expansion underway into Europe — this person protects the core engineering team from field disruption and ensures deployments run smoothly and reliably. This is emphatically not a desk-based role. The right candidate will be equally comfortable plugging in a laptop, connecting cables, and debugging a live automated truck on a customer site as they are triaging issues remotely with the US engineering team. A background in applications engineering, commissioning, or technical support alongside software skills is ideal.
Time Split & Scope
- Approximately 50% — learning and developing deep understanding of the full automation software stack
- Approximately 25% — remote support and triage in collaboration with UK and US engineering teams
- Approximately 25% — travel to customer and test sites (UK initially, broadening to wider Europe as the programme scales)
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the first point of contact for field software issues at customer and test sites across the UK and Europe
- Conduct structured triage of issues with remote US and UK engineering teams, escalating where necessary
- Travel to customer sites and test facilities to diagnose, support, and resolve deployment issues in live automated environments
- Build deep familiarity with the full automation software stack to enable effective diagnosis and support
- Communicate clearly with customer and operator teams on-site to manage expectations and resolve issues professionally
- Provide structured feedback to core engineering teams on recurring field issues to inform continuous improvement
Candidate Profile
Hands-on, site-confident software engineer. Comfortable working in industrial environments with physical hardware. Happy travelling within the UK and, in time, across Europe. Engaging with customers and operators directly with confidence and professionalism. A background combining applications engineering, commissioning, or technical support with software engineering skills is ideal. The emphasis here is on someone who can move between a screen and a physical system without hesitation — and who communicates well under pressure.
Technical Focus
- Strong software foundation with embedded or industrial systems exposure
- Hands-on diagnostics and debugging in live environments
- Familiarity with automation or robotics software stacks desirable
- Comfort with remote collaboration tools and cross-cultural engineering teams
About the Team & Working Environment
The role is based at Frimley with regular travel to customer and test sites. It works closely with the core software engineering team and with US-based colleagues. The team is scaling quickly and this person will be central to enabling that growth without disrupting core engineering capacity.
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling is an equal opportunities employer. The successful candidate will be subject to background checks.
Software Service/Automation Field Engineer employer: Hyster-Yale Group
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for Higher Level Apprentices in Business at our Craigavon facility. With a commitment to employee growth through hands-on experience and academic development, we provide competitive pay, generous annual leave, and subsidised benefits, all while fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork that empowers our apprentices to thrive in the global materials handling industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Service/Automation Field Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get hands-on! Since this role is all about working with real hardware, make sure you’re comfortable in a workshop environment. If you can, try to get some experience with automation or robotics systems before your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your troubleshooting skills. You’ll be the go-to person for field software issues, so practice diagnosing problems quickly and effectively. Maybe even set up a mock scenario to test your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! This role involves liaising with customers and engineering teams, so be ready to demonstrate how you can explain complex issues clearly and professionally.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Service/Automation Field Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience:We want to see your practical skills shine! Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience you have with software, hardware, or automation systems. This role is all about getting stuck in, so let us know how you've tackled real-world challenges.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We love it when candidates tailor their applications to the specific role. Mention your relevant experience in applications engineering, commissioning, or technical support, and how it relates to the Software Service/Automation Field Engineer position.
Communicate Clearly:Since this role involves a lot of communication with customers and engineering teams, make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well — we want to see that you can manage expectations and resolve issues professionally.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 us you’re keen on joining our team at Hyster-Yale!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hyster-Yale Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the automation software stack and any relevant embedded systems. Brush up on your debugging skills, as you'll need to demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot live environments during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is all about getting your hands dirty, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences with physical hardware. Share specific examples where you've successfully diagnosed or resolved issues in an industrial setting.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
You'll be the bridge between engineering teams and customers, so practice clear and professional communication. Think about how you would explain complex technical issues to someone without a technical background, and be ready to showcase that skill.
✨Be Ready to Travel
This role involves travel across the UK and eventually Europe, so express your enthusiasm for visiting customer sites. Highlight any past experiences where you've worked in different locations or cultures, as this will show you're adaptable and ready for the challenge.
