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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software design and development for advanced control systems in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join SCX, a UK leader in innovative engineering solutions across diverse sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous holiday, pension scheme, and long service awards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge projects while growing your skills in automation.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, especially with control systems and programming languages.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
SCX is a UK-based engineering business with a reputation for innovation, precision, and delivery in complex mechanical handling and kinetic architecture systems. With a portfolio spanning world-class projects in Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear, Sports & Entertainment, and Infrastructure sectors, SCX continues to invest in its people, processes, and operational capability to meet growing demand and exceed customer expectations.
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Software (Automation) Engineer plays a vital role in leading the design, development, testing, and commissioning of software systems that support the operation of advanced control panels used at SCX's test facility and client sites. This position ensures seamless integration between software and hardware, enabling safe and reliable system performance in real-world environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Software Design & Development
- Manage a small software team to develop robust and scalable software applications for control systems that meet operational, safety, and performance requirements.
- Collaborate with hardware and electrical engineers to ensure effective integration between software and control panel components.
- Write, test, and review high-quality code, implementing algorithms and communication protocols suited to control environments.
- Optimise software performance through debugging, simulation, and iterative testing.
- Commissioning & Testing
- Commission software at the in-house test facility and on-site, validating system performance against design specifications.
- Produce and maintain testing documentation to verify compliance with functional and safety requirements.
- Participate in on-site commissioning activities, resolving real-time issues affecting software and control system interaction.
- Support the commissioning team in diagnosing and rectifying integration challenges between software and hardware.
- Project Management
- Deliver software solutions on time, within scope, and aligned with technical and safety standards.
- Manage development tasks effectively, maintaining clear documentation and reporting progress to project leads.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and commissioning engineers to align software design with system requirements.
- Collaborate with the commissioning team to resolve cross-disciplinary integration challenges.
- Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all software systems and related commissioning activities comply with applicable safety standards and regulations.
- Implement fail-safe mechanisms and perform safety reviews to maintain system integrity and compliance.
- Maintain detailed documentation of commissioning procedures, system configurations, test results, and modifications.
- Maintenance & Support
- Troubleshoot software-related issues identified during testing or reported by end-users.
- Provide software updates, fixes, and support throughout the system lifecycle.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including codebases, configuration files, and user instructions.
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to enhance software performance, usability, and hardware integration.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of tools, processes, and best practices to improve software development and commissioning efficiency.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in software development, ideally within a control systems, automation, or industrial engineering environment.
- Experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix).
- Experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley HMI / SCADA systems.
- Industrial automation including motors and drives.
- Proficient in software programming languages relevant to control systems (e.g. C/C++, Python, structured text, ladder logic, etc.).
- Strong understanding of control systems, communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP), and hardware integration.
- Experience with software testing, commissioning, and fault diagnosis in real-world environments.
- Familiarity with safety-critical software development and associated standards.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Organised and self-motivated, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Knowledge of version control systems and documentation tools.
- Understanding of SCADA or PLC systems is advantageous.
Desirable
- Cranes Experience.
- Large motive machines.
- Machine Handling systems.
Location: Sheffield
Job Benefits
- Flexible Start and Finish Times: Shape your day with flexible start and finish times around our core working hours.
- Pension Scheme: We operate a salary sacrifice pension scheme.
- Annual Leave: New starters receive 25 days of holiday, plus statutory bank holidays.
- Need a Few More Days? Our holiday purchase scheme lets you buy up to 3 additional days of holiday each year.
- Long Service Awards: After 5 years with us, your holiday entitlement increases by 1 day. After 10 years, it increases by another day.
- Employee Referral Scheme: Refer suitable candidates who align with our values, and you’ll be rewarded for helping us build a great team.
Senior Software (Automation) Engineer employer: SCX
Contact Detail:
SCX Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software (Automation) Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with SCX employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to control systems and automation. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and scenarios related to software development and integration. Practice explaining your thought process clearly; it’s all about demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
✨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 at SCX. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software (Automation) Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Software (Automation) Engineer role. Highlight your experience with control systems, automation, and any relevant programming languages. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at SCX!
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 makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to our work.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be managing a small software team, it's important to showcase your leadership and collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams in the past, especially in engineering contexts.
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 SCX
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of control systems, programming languages like C/C++ and Python, and communication protocols such as Modbus and Ethernet/IP. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the tech, but that you can also apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be managing a small team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, tackled challenges, and ensured project delivery. Highlight your collaboration with other disciplines, especially mechanical and electrical engineers, to demonstrate your cross-functional teamwork.
✨Prepare for Real-World Problem Solving
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-time scenarios. Think about past experiences where you diagnosed and rectified integration issues between software and hardware. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance Knowledge
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your understanding of safety-critical software development and compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented fail-safe mechanisms and conducted safety reviews in previous projects to ensure system integrity.
