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 various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and long service awards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing cutting-edge software that integrates with advanced hardware.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, especially in automation and control systems.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
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.
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.
Managing a small software team, the Senior Software (Automation) Engineer provides technical expertise across the full development lifecycle - from concept through to commissioning - while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and compliance.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ensure all software systems and related commissioning activities comply with applicable safety standards and regulations.
- 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.
- 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.
Proven experience in software development, ideally within a control systems, automation, or industrial engineering environment. Experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix) 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.). Experience with software testing, commissioning, and fault diagnosis in real-world environments. Familiarity with safety-critical software development and associated standards. Understanding of SCADA or PLC systems is advantageous.
Cranes Experience
Large motive machines, Machine Handling systems.
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. 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.
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 Engineer - Automation Testing in Sheffield employer: SCX
Contact Detail:
SCX Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer - Automation Testing in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks 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 automation testing and control systems. 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 commissioning. Practice explaining your thought process clearly; it’s all about demonstrating your expertise and 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. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer - Automation Testing in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with automation testing, control systems, and any relevant programming languages like C/C++ or Python. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with SCX and how your background in software development and testing makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's software you've developed or systems you've integrated, we love to see real-world examples of your work. It helps us understand your hands-on experience.
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 that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SCX!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCX
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of software programming languages relevant to control systems, like C/C++ and Python. Be ready to discuss your experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLCs and how you've tackled real-world testing and commissioning challenges.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be managing a small team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and problem-solving. Highlight any successful projects where you ensured quality and compliance while meeting deadlines.
✨Prepare for Integration Questions
Expect questions about integrating software with hardware components. Think of specific instances where you resolved integration challenges, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to work cross-disciplinarily with mechanical and electrical engineers.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
SCX places a strong emphasis on safety standards and regulations. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety-critical software development and how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles. This shows that you take safety seriously and can contribute to their commitment to quality.