Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in automation, creating control software for cutting-edge machines.
- Company: Join Mpac, a leader in automation solutions for packaging and assembly industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values integrity, drive, and expertise while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Apprentice trained in Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering; HNC, HND, or BSc in relevant discipline required.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and gain international experience through customer site support.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role
As a Principal Software Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of Mpac’s cutting-edge automation machines. Your expertise will be crucial in:
- Creating control software across leading PLC platforms like Siemens, Rockwell, and Beckhoff for first of a kind packaging and assembly machines.
- Managing project teams consisting of Senior Software and Software Engineers.
- Developing and maintaining Mpac standard software templates and libraries.
- Developing and maintaining Mpac software development procedures.
- Providing technical expertise and being the point of contact for project related topics.
- Performing and overseeing software design code reviews.
Outputs/Deliverables
- Support delivery of high-quality software design based on comprehensive understanding of customer and regulatory requirements.
- Experience in Full Lifecycle Projects for pharmaceutical and process manufacturing applications.
- Exhibit commercial acumen to ensure cost-effective solutions and manage scope changes according to company procedures.
- Communicate project status effectively to relevant stakeholders.
- Contribute proactively to continuous improvement initiatives and provide data for project performance evaluation.
- Consistently strive to exceed customer expectations.
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities
- Create/modify PLC software, vision applications, robot applications, motion applications, and HMI/visualisation systems.
- Manage software project teams progress against defined key milestones.
- Create project documentation including I/O lists, FDS, SDI, SDS, HDS and FAT/SAT test documents.
- Occasionally provide support with commissioning on customer sites in the UK and Overseas.
- Assist with technical support across departments, including simulations, estimating, and hardware/software selection.
- Interpret customer and regulatory requirements to ensure aligned software designs, minimising technical risk.
- Provide aftersales support for existing machinery and installations.
- Ensure that design quality is maintained throughout the project by verifying that the output meets the company’s standard operating procedures.
- Communicate accurate project status internally with the team, and externally to customers and suppliers when required.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and report on project performance relative to KPIs.
- Provide support during design review meetings to achieve timely approvals.
- Collaborate with and be the point of contact for Project Engineers to ensure successful resource planning for project milestones.
Core Values & Competencies
- Integrity
- Drive
- Expertise
Knowledge and Experience
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Knowledge and Experience in electrical or mechatronic Engineering.
- Proficient in the use of Rockwell and Siemens programming platforms.
- Integration of robotics into automation solutions.
Technical Skills and Qualifications
- Apprentice trained in Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering.
- HNC, HND, or BSC in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Proficient in the use of Rockwell and Siemens programming platforms.
- Integration of robotics into automation solutions.
- Integration of vision systems into industrial automation.
- Integration of servo drives into industrial automation.
- Previous skills utilising the following would be an advantage: Rockwell Automation products – RSLogix / Studio 5000 / FactoryTalk, Siemens TIA Portal, Step 7, B&R, GE Fanuc iFix and Aveva InTouch and System Platform – but all SCADA packages accepted.
Relationship and Reporting Line
- Reports to: Software Team Lead
- Working relationships with: Project Engineers, Design Team, Software Team, Commissioning Team, Customers & Suppliers
Principal Controls Engineer (Hybrid / Tadcaster, UK) employer: Switchback Group
Contact Detail:
Switchback Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Controls Engineer (Hybrid / Tadcaster, UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific PLC platforms mentioned in the job description, such as Siemens and Rockwell. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills with these systems can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automation and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who might have insights into the company culture at Mpac or the specifics of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with full lifecycle projects, especially in pharmaceutical and process manufacturing applications. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed project teams and delivered high-quality software solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Think of specific instances where you've implemented changes that enhanced project performance or quality, as this aligns well with Mpac's core values.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Controls Engineer (Hybrid / Tadcaster, UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in PLC programming, project management, and software development. Emphasise your proficiency with Siemens, Rockwell, and Beckhoff platforms, as well as any experience in the pharmaceutical or process manufacturing sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for automation technology and how your skills align with Mpac's mission. Mention specific projects where you've successfully managed teams or developed innovative solutions, showcasing your commercial acumen and commitment to exceeding customer expectations.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical qualifications, including your education in Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering and any relevant certifications. Detail your experience with software design code reviews and your ability to interpret customer and regulatory requirements.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Provide examples of how you've contributed to continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles. This could include data-driven project performance evaluations or successful implementation of new software development procedures that enhanced efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at Switchback Group
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with PLC platforms like Siemens and Rockwell. Highlight specific projects where you've created or modified control software, as this will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and ability to contribute immediately.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing project teams, share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to project management and how you ensure that milestones are met while maintaining high-quality standards.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to explain how you keep stakeholders informed about project status and how you handle scope changes. Use examples to illustrate your proactive communication style.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your commitment to continuous improvement initiatives. Be ready to provide examples of how you've contributed to enhancing processes or project performance in previous roles, as this aligns with the company's core values.
