Software Design Engineer

Location: North West UK – Cheshire (must be based in the region)
Type: 6-Month Contract → Permanent (Full-time)
Salary: £60,000 – £80,000
On-site: 5 days per week (38 hours) with global travel required

We are seeking an experienced Software Design Engineer to join a specialist engineering team delivering advanced automated material handling and aviation security systems used in airports worldwide.

This role focuses on the design, development, integration, testing, and commissioning of software solutions that control high-throughput conveyor, robotics, and automated screening systems. You will work across the full project lifecycle, from concept and software architecture through to deployment, commissioning, and ongoing support.

• Design, develop, and maintain software solutions for automated material handling and conveyor systems.
• Develop control software using Siemens TIA Portal and S7 PLC platforms.
• Create and maintain software architecture, functional specifications, and system documentation.
• Integrate software with robotics, HMI, SCADA, vision, and third-party control systems.
• Configure industrial networks, managed switches, VLANs, redundancy protocols, and cybersecurity measures.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities.
• Diagnose and resolve software and system issues in live operational environments.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and project engineering teams throughout project delivery.
• Provide technical support to field engineers and customers during installation and deployment.
• Maintain version control, change management processes, and software documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and development of engineering standards
• Essential Requirements
• Must be based in Cheshire.
• Strong experience developing software for industrial automation or material handling systems.
• Proven expertise with Siemens PLC platforms, including TIA Portal and S7 controllers.
• Experience designing and implementing control software architectures.
• Strong troubleshooting and fault-finding skills in operational environments.
• Understanding of industrial communications and networking technologies.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, system architecture drawings, and functional design specifications.
• Experience integrating robotics and automated systems.
• Willingness to travel internationally for commissioning and customer support activities.
• Experience working within high-throughput automated environments such as logistics, airports, warehousing, manufacturing, or aerospace.
• Experience & Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in industrial software engineering, automation, controls, or related disciplines.
• Experience delivering automation projects within aerospace, automotive, logistics, airport, or industrial automation sectors.
• HND/HNC in Automation, Controls Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline (essential).
• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar (desirable).
• Strong experience with Siemens software development tools and automation platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, or OPC UA is advantageous.
• What’s on Offer
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge airport security and automation systems deployed globally.
• Involvement throughout the complete software development lifecycle.
• International project exposure and travel opportunities.
• Long-term career development within a specialist high-growth engineering sector.
• Competitive salary package with a clear route to permanent employment.
• Collaborative environment working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation