At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop control system software for PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms.
- Company: Join Actemium Automation Birmingham, part of the innovative VINCI Energies group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Work on exciting automation projects that make a real difference in various industries.
- Qualifications: Experience in PLC and SCADA software development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Package Competitive salary BOE + Up to 7% matched pension + Health Shield (Cashback plan) + Private Healthcare + Cycle to Work Scheme + Death in Service + Share Scheme + Annual Discretionary Bonus
Location Birmingham (site travel across the Midlands and UK will be required)
Company Overview
Actemium Automation Birmingham, part of the VINCI Energies group, delivers specialist automation, control and data solutions to industrial clients across the UK. Our teams design, build and support PLC, SCADA and MES systems for sectors including food & beverage, manufacturing and utilities. We combine technical excellence with a collaborative culture and a strong commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
The Role – Control Systems Software Engineer
We are seeking an experienced and adaptable Control Systems Software Engineer to join our automation team in Birmingham. The successful candidate will design, develop, test and commission control system software for PLCs, HMIs and SCADA platforms, working on multi‑discipline projects from concept through to handover and post‑commission support. You will collaborate closely with project engineers, electrical designers, and clients to deliver reliable, maintainable and safe automation solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and configure PLC control software using relevant platforms (Siemens, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Schneider, etc.) in accordance with project specifications and industry best practice.
- Design and implement HMI/SCADA applications, operator screens and supervisory logic to meet client operational requirements.
- Produce and maintain technical documentation including functional design specifications (FDS), software design documents, I/O lists, test procedures and commissioning checklists.
- Create and execute FAT/SAT test plans, perform system integration testing, and support factory and site commissioning activities.
- Troubleshoot and resolve control system faults during installation, commissioning and early life support; provide clear root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Work with project teams to ensure software meets safety, quality and regulatory requirements, including adherence to relevant coding and testing standards.
- Support cyber security and industrial networking requirements for control systems, including VLAN, firewalls and secure remote access where required.
- Assist with client training and handover documentation to ensure effective transition to operations and maintenance teams.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, standard libraries and re‑usable software assets to increase delivery efficiency and quality.
- Promote and comply with all Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality requirements on site and in the workshop.
Working Environment
This role involves office‑based engineering, workshop work and frequent site attendance, including live industrial environments. PPE will be provided and adherence to site safety procedures is essential. Travel to client sites across the Midlands and wider UK will be required.
Essential Qualifications & Skills
- HNC/HND or degree in Control Systems, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience developing PLC and SCADA control software from initial design through to implementation in industrial environments.
- Proven experience with at least one major PLC platform (Siemens TIA Portal/Step 7, Rockwell Studio 5000, Schneider Unity etc.) and SCADA/HMI tools (Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk or similar).
- Strong understanding of industrial networking, fieldbus protocols (Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus) and PLC‑to‑SCADA integration.
- Competent with testing methodologies, FAT/SAT procedures and commissioning activities.
- Good written and verbal communication skills and experience producing technical documentation.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with MES integration, recipe management and batch control systems.
- Knowledge of industrial cyber security standards and secure architecture for control systems.
- Familiarity with safety PLCs and functional safety standards (e.g. IEC 61508 / 61511) and experience implementing safety logic.
- Experience with SCADA historian systems and basic data analytics.
- Relevant vendor certifications (Siemens, Rockwell, Inductive Automation, Schneider).
Personal Attributes
- Practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem solving and fault‑finding skills.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to producing robust, well‑documented solutions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary project teams.
- Customer‑focused with professional communication skills and the ability to build strong client relationships.
- Proactive attitude towards continuous learning and keeping up to date with control technology trends.
Why Join Actemium Automation Birmingham?
- Work on varied, challenging automation projects for leading UK industrial clients.
- Supportive, collaborative environment with clear development pathways and mentoring.
- Competitive benefits package and commitment to training and professional development.
- Be part of a global engineering network with local autonomy and innovation.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing across the workplace.
Eligibility to Work in the UK
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Actemium Automation Birmingham - Control Systems Software Engineer employer: VINCI
Actemium Automation Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where engineers can thrive on diverse automation projects for prominent UK industrial clients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to innovative solutions in a culture that prioritises safety and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Actemium Automation Birmingham - Control Systems Software Engineer
✨Get Involved in Control Systems Communities
Dive into control systems forums and relevant LinkedIn groups to showcase your expertise. Engage in discussions, answer questions, and share your knowledge—this can help us get noticed by potential employers looking for someone just like you!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Join conferences or workshops specifically tailored to control systems engineering, like the IEEE conference. These events are goldmines for networking with industry leaders and might just lead us to that perfect role at VINCI.
✨Get Practical Experience Through Projects
Start or contribute to projects that highlight your control systems skills. Whether it’s a simulated environment or real-world application, having tangible results will give us a huge edge when chatting with VINCI.
✨Choose Job Boards Wisely
Focus on niche job boards that specialise in engineering roles. Channels like Engineers.co or similar can help ensure that we’re not only applying to random jobs but targeting positions that align perfectly with our control systems engineering skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Actemium Automation Birmingham - Control Systems Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:When applying for the Actemium Automation Birmingham - Control Systems Software Engineer role, make sure to showcase your technical expertise in control systems. Be specific about the software and programming languages you’ve worked with—mention anything from MATLAB to PLC programming. This will help us see your proficiency in the tools that are essential for the job.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the engineering world, numbers speak volumes! Use your CV to quantify your achievements—whether it’s a percentage improvement in system efficiency or successful project completions under budget. This will not only make your application stand out but also showcase your problem-solving capabilities to us.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t hesitate to get personal in your cover letter! Talk about why you’re passionate about control systems engineering and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role at VINCI. We want to see your genuine interest and motivation to contribute to our projects.
Professional Documentation:For a full-time role, ensure that your application documents are professional and well-structured. Include a clear CV format and cover letter that highlights key projects or systems you've worked on. Don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or training that would make you a valuable addition to us at VINCI.
How to prepare for a job interview at VINCI
✨Brush Up on Control Systems Concepts
Make sure we're up to speed with control systems theory—think stability analysis, PID tuning, and state-space representation. Revising these fundamentals will help us answer technical questions more confidently and demonstrate our expertise during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Simulation Tools
Get hands-on with popular simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink or LabVIEW. A lot of interviews might include technical assessments or practical tasks to gauge our understanding of system modelling and control design using these tools, so being proficient could really set us apart.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
We should expect scenario-based questions where we'll have to solve real-world control system challenges. Practising how to approach problems logically and articulately will help us show our analytical thinking to the interviewer at VINCI.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
As this role is full-time, it's crucial we convey our genuine enthusiasm for control systems engineering. Sharing personal projects or experiences where we tackled interesting engineering tasks can illustrate our commitment and eagerness to contribute to the team at VINCI.
