At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of software and control systems in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a well-established food manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on plant efficiency and future technology development.
- Qualifications: Experience in software, controls, or automation engineering, especially in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Wakefield
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Working Pattern: Full time / Site based
We're working in partnership with a well-established food manufacturing business to recruit an experienced Software & Controls Engineer for a key site-based engineering role. This is a technically focused opportunity to take ownership of industrial control systems and operational technology, ensuring reliability, security and performance across a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role plays a vital part in supporting plant uptime, food safety, continuous improvement and future technology development.
The Role
You'll be responsible for the lifecycle management, development and optimisation of software and control systems, ensuring they operate safely, reliably and in line with business and regulatory standards. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing the full lifecycle of industrial control systems, including software backups, version control and technical documentation
- Fault-finding and root cause analysis of control system and OT issues to minimise downtime
- Developing, modifying and implementing PLC and SCADA application software to improve plant performance
- Managing control system change processes and ensuring controlled implementation of updates
- Planning for system obsolescence and contributing to disaster recovery strategies
- Implementing and maintaining OT cyber-security measures in line with company policy
- Maintaining OT asset registers and up-to-date network diagrams
- Supporting development of site revenue and capital budgets related to control systems and OT
- Supporting delivery of site-led and centrally driven automation and control projects
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, increase efficiency and improve product quality
- Supporting sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives through control system optimisation
- Collecting, analysing and reporting performance data to inform decision-making
- Ensuring all engineering activities comply with health & safety, food safety and quality standards
About You
Proven experience in a Software, Controls or Automation Engineering role within food manufacturing (bakery or FMCG desirable). Strong hands-on experience with industrial control systems lifecycle management. Proficient in PLC and SCADA programming, configuration and diagnostics. Experience implementing and maintaining cyber-security controls for OT environments. Strong understanding of automation systems, industrial networking and operational technology. Experience contributing to engineering projects and capital improvements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic, data-led approach. Effective communicator able to work collaboratively with engineering and manufacturing teams. Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment. Good understanding of food safety, machine safety and engineering compliance requirements.
What's on Offer
High-impact technical role with ownership of critical software and control systems. Opportunity to influence plant reliability, efficiency and future automation strategy. Exposure to control systems, OT cyber-security, energy management and continuous improvement projects. Supportive manufacturing environment with strong investment in engineering capability and standards.
Locations
Software & Controls Engineer in Wakefield, Yorkshire employer: Morson Edge
Join a leading food manufacturing business in Wakefield as a Software & Controls Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in enhancing plant reliability and efficiency. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture, this company offers competitive salaries, opportunities for continuous improvement, and the chance to work on innovative automation projects. Enjoy a dynamic environment that prioritises safety, quality, and sustainability, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software & Controls Engineer in Wakefield, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the food manufacturing industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Software & Controls Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with PLC and SCADA systems. Share specific examples of how you've improved plant performance or tackled tough engineering challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget about follow-ups! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented Software & Controls Engineers like you. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Software & Controls Engineer in Wakefield, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software & Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with industrial control systems and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 background in food manufacturing makes you a great fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with PLC and SCADA programming. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess, so be specific about your achievements and contributions in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC and SCADA systems. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with industrial control systems and how you've managed their lifecycle in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical skills to back it up.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled fault-finding and root cause analysis in past positions. Think of a couple of scenarios where you minimised downtime or improved plant performance, as this will demonstrate your analytical abilities and proactive approach.
✨Understand the Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with food safety, machine safety, and engineering compliance requirements relevant to the role. Being able to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous work will highlight your commitment to safety and quality standards.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams, being an effective communicator is key. Prepare to discuss how you’ve worked with others to drive continuous improvement initiatives and support automation projects.
