Senior Controls Software Engineer in Coventry, West Midlands
Posted by Computer Futures
£60,000 – £70,000 a year
Coventry · Permanent · Remote working
The successful candidate will combine strong Siemens PLC programming experience with hands-on commissioning expertise and a passion for delivering high-quality automation solutions in fast-paced industrial environments.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery & Ownership
- Take ownership of the controls scope following receipt of approved electrical drawings, system architecture and Functional Design Specifications (FDS).
- Review technical documentation and identify any gaps, risks or conflicting requirements.
- Plan and manage controls engineering activities to achieve project milestones.
- Work closely with project managers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, robotics specialists and wider project teams to ensure successful system integration.
- Maintain clear communication with stakeholders regarding project progress, issues and solutions.
PLC & HMI Software Development
- Develop, modify and maintain PLC software using Siemens TIA Portal.
- Program control systems using Structured Text (SCL) and Ladder Logic.
- Develop intuitive HMI applications with clear diagnostics, alarm handling and fault recovery functionality.
- Implement machine sequences, equipment interfaces, data handling processes and system interlocks.
- Integrate automation hardware including drives, remote I/O, servo systems, robots, barcode scanners, RFID systems and vision technology.
- Configure and troubleshoot Profinet and Industrial Ethernet communication networks.
- Maintain software version control, change logs and project documentation.
Testing & Validation
- Carry out structured software testing and simulation activities prior to deployment.
- Support panel testing, I/O validation and system integration testing.
- Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities and resolve controls-related issues.
- Ensure all software and functionality meets customer and project requirements before release.
Site Commissioning
- Commission automated systems at customer sites across the UK and occasionally overseas.
- Complete network validation, device integration, drive setup and sequence commissioning.
- Optimise system performance, throughput and reliability.
- Support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), customer demonstrations and final sign-off activities.
- Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support during commissioning phases.
- Ensure all activities are completed safely and in accordance with project and customer requirements.
Handover & Support
- Produce final software backups, release notes and controls documentation.
- Deliver operator and maintenance training where required.
- Support post-installation activities including warranty support and remote diagnostics.
- Assist with fault-finding, modifications and service support activities.
- Share best practice and mentor less experienced engineers where appropriate.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Minimum 5 years' experience delivering industrial automation or controls engineering projects.
- Strong Siemens PLC and Siemens TIA Portal experience.
- Proven programming capability using Structured Text (SCL) and Ladder Logic.
- HMI development experience.
- Hands-on industrial automation commissioning experience.
- Knowledge of machine control, conveyor systems, drives and motor control.
- Strong understanding of Profinet and Industrial Ethernet networks.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, I/O schedules and Functional Design Specifications.
- Experience managing technical deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
- Strong communication skills and customer-facing experience.
Desirable Experience
- Siemens Safety PLCs and functional safety systems.
- Allen-Bradley / Rockwell, Beckhoff, Omron, Mitsubishi or Schneider PLC platforms.
- ABB, FANUC, Kawasaki or KUKA robot integration.
- Servo motion systems.
- Vision systems, barcode scanning and RFID technologies.
- Warehouse automation, material handling or robotic automation environments.
- PLC integration with SCADA, WMS, MES or database platforms.
- Technical mentoring and engineering standards development.
- International commissioning experience.
Qualifications
- HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Controls, Automation or Mechatronic Engineering.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
What's on Offer?
- Varied and technically challenging automation projects.
- Exposure to the full controls engineering lifecycle.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Supportive engineering culture focused on quality, safety and teamwork.
- Combination of office-based engineering and customer-facing commissioning work.
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge automation technologies across multiple industrie
To find out more about Computer Futures please visit (url removed)
Computer Futures, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales
Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.