At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a dynamic team of software engineers while delivering innovative automation solutions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration and innovation in engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by mentoring talent and driving cutting-edge projects in automation.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering and team leadership within industrial automation is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that prioritises integrity, drive, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
To support and develop a team of software engineers through effective pastoral care, fostering their well-being, engagement, and professional growth, while also contributing directly to the delivery of software solutions for automation and machinery projects. The role helps maintain a positive team environment and provides hands-on software engineering input to achieve high-quality, reliable, and compliant project outcomes.
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities
- Department Responsibilities: Provide pastoral and line management support to software engineers, including appraisals, performance discussions, well-being monitoring, mentoring, and managing holidays and sickness. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing software engineering culture that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and shared problem-solving. Support Software/Design Management in developing, maintaining, and enforcing engineering processes, coding standards, documentation frameworks, and best-practice software development methodologies. Encourage and participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance software quality, efficiency, and maintainability. Ensure adherence to relevant industry standards, coding conventions, safety requirements, and internal quality procedures.
- Project Responsibilities: Contribute directly to software engineering activities, including PLC/HMI programming and design, motion control, robotics integration, and safety system configuration. Support software project due diligence, including requirement analysis, risk identification, functional safety considerations, and validation planning. Participate in and support design reviews, ensuring software design, architecture, and documentation meet customer, regulatory, and internal expectations. Collaborate closely with Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, Project Management, and Build/Commissioning teams to ensure coordinated delivery of project milestones. Support machine commissioning, debugging, FAT/SAT, and customer handover. Track and report project progress, risks, and Estimated Time to Completion (ETC) to Project Managers and Software/Design Management. Ensure software documentation (e.g., SDS, FDS, test reports, release notes, manuals) is accurate, complete, and delivered on schedule. Escalate project, team, or technical issues to Software/Design Management for timely intervention. Maintain awareness of commercial implications of software development, including scope control and efficient resource usage.
Outputs/Deliverables
- Clear, concise, and timely project updates, including progress, ETC, risk assessment, and milestone status.
- High-quality, robust, and maintainable software deliverables that meet specifications, safety standards, and project requirements.
- Accurate and complete software documentation, including design specifications, test documentation, and release materials.
- Consistent adherence to software engineering processes, coding standards, and documentation requirements across the team.
- Demonstrated development and well-being of team members through mentoring, structured feedback, and regular appraisals.
- Active contribution to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software delivery, quality, and reliability.
Mpac Core Values
- Integrity
- Drive
- Collaboration
- Expertise
- Innovation
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Proven experience leading or supporting software engineering teams within an industrial automation, machinery, or manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, including requirement gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and support.
- Demonstrated experience delivering PLC/HMI/motion software for automated equipment or machinery.
- Strong understanding of engineering principles, functional safety fundamentals, and machine safety protocols.
- Experience coordinating software deliverables within multidisciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, controls, project management).
- Demonstrated ability to enforce engineering processes, coding standards, and documentation quality.
- Strong problem-solving capability and experience managing technical risks.
- Hands-on experience producing or reviewing Software Design Specifications (SDS), Functional Design Specifications (FDS), and testing documentation.
Desirable
- Experience implementing or contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Exposure to Agile or hybrid project management methods in an engineering or automation context.
- Experience working on bespoke or special-purpose automation equipment.
- Experience working across global or multi-site teams.
- Familiarity with cost estimation, resource planning, or budget awareness for software development work.
- Experience with system risk assessments, FMEA, structured testing, or safety validation activities.
Technical Skills and Qualifications
Essential
- Qualification in Software Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical discipline (Apprenticeship, HNC/HND, Degree).
- Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, motion control configuration, and automation software debugging.
- Experience with major PLC/automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff).
- Solid understanding of relevant standards such as IEC 61131-3, IEC/ISO safety standards, and CE/UKCA compliance requirements.
- Experience using version control systems and software lifecycle management tools.
- Ability to create and maintain accurate technical documentation for compliance, traceability, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing.
Desirable
- Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar field.
- Chartered Engineer status or working toward registration (e.g., IET, BCS).
- Experience with advanced software engineering or simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, digital twins, etc.).
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT systems, data integration, or smart manufacturing concepts.
- Experience with SCADA, database-driven systems, OPC UA, or networked automation architectures.
- Experience with Jira, Azure DevOps, or equivalent tools for task management, planning, and documentation.
- Ability to configure or administer Jira/Confluence for agile workflows, sprint planning, and collaboration.
- Project management certifications (PRINCE2, PMP) or leadership development training.
Relationship and Reporting Line
- Reports to: Controls Manager
- Working relationships with: Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Commissioning
Software Team Leader in Tadcaster employer: Mpac
Contact Detail:
Mpac Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Team Leader in Tadcaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those related to PLC/HMI programming or automation solutions. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and soft skills. Practice explaining your past experiences in leading teams and delivering software solutions. Remember, they want to see how you fit into their culture too!
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our innovative projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Team Leader in Tadcaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading software engineering teams. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our needs. Talk about your hands-on experience with PLC/HMI programming and how you've contributed to successful projects in the past.
Be Personable: We value collaboration and a positive team environment, so let your personality shine through! Share examples of how you've fostered team spirit or supported colleagues in their professional growth.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mpac
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially around PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you contributed to their success. This will show that you not only understand the role but can also bring valuable experience to the team.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Software Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've supported team members in the past, whether through performance discussions or fostering a collaborative environment. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved team dynamics or project outcomes.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company's core values: Integrity, Drive, Collaboration, Expertise, and Innovation. Think about how your personal values align with these and be ready to share examples of how you've embodied them in your previous roles. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management skills. Think of situations where you've had to troubleshoot issues or make critical decisions under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.