At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and troubleshoot automation software in real-world environments across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join Hyster-Yale, a leader in materials handling and robotics innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for travel and growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of automation technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering and hands-on technical support.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 triage-ing 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.
Job Type: Permanent
Time Type: Full time
Work Hours: 39
Travel Required: No
Location: HY EMEA UK Frimley
Address: Centennial House
Zip Code: GU16 7SG
Field-Based: No
Relocation Assistance Available: No
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., is a global leader dedicated to advancing the materials handling industry. We design, engineer, manufacture, sell and service a comprehensive line of lift trucks, attachments and power and technology solutions, marketed primarily under the Hyster and Yale brand names. As one of the largest lift truck manufacturers, Hyster-Yale is not only committed to transforming the way the world moves materials from Port to Home, but also delivering optimal solutions that meet our customers’ needs while ensuring outstanding customer care. Our achievements are driven by our people, our strong culture and commitment to our values, which are founded on a philosophy of integrity, respect and excellence. At Hyster-Yale, you can feel the loyalty from the inside out.
Software Service/Automation Field Engineer in Frimley employer: Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
Hyster-Yale's Frimley Robotics Engineering Centre offers an exceptional work environment for Software Service/Automation Field Engineers, combining hands-on experience with cutting-edge automation technology in a collaborative team setting. Employees benefit from a strong culture of integrity and respect, ample opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to engage directly with customers across the UK and Europe, all while being part of a leading global manufacturer in the materials handling industry.
Contact Details:
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Service/Automation Field Engineer in Frimley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Hyster-Yale's projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral — which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role is all about getting your hands dirty, practice troubleshooting and debugging in real-world scenarios. Show them you can handle the pressure and think on your feet.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Hyster-Yale.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Service/Automation Field Engineer in Frimley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience:Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience you have with software and hardware. We want to see how comfortable you are in real-world environments, so share specific examples of your work with automation or robotics.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Communicate Clearly:Since this role involves a lot of communication with customers and engineering teams, make sure your written application showcases your ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous hands-on experience with hardware and software integration. Share specific examples where you've successfully diagnosed and resolved issues in real-world settings, as this role is all about practical problem-solving.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be the bridge between engineering teams and customers, practice articulating complex technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on how you can effectively manage expectations and communicate under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with both UK and US teams, so highlight your experience working in diverse teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success and adapted to different working styles, as this will show you're a great fit for their fast-moving environment.
