Principal Software Engineer

Tadcaster
3 days ago
Create job alert

Principal Software Engineer – Automation Systems

We are looking for 2 Senior's and 1 Principal Engineer to join a global engineering organisation who deliver advanced automation, robotics, and high-speed production machinery, design and build bespoke manufacturing systems for international customers. They operate across sectors including pharmaceutical, healthcare, food & beverage, and consumer products, the business provides end-to-end automation solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and production performance.

Your Role

Lead the delivery of high-impact control software for complex, bespoke automation systems from development through commissioning. This senior role combines hands-on technical leadership with team mentorship, ensuring robust, high-quality software solutions are delivered on time and to specification.

The Opportunity



Lead software development and implementation for large-scale automation and control projects

*

Own and validate Software Design Specifications (SDS) and ensure compliance across the project lifecycle

*

Guide and mentor engineering teams, delegating development tasks and driving technical excellence

*

Oversee module reviews, diagnostics, and integration to ensure seamless commissioning and system performance

*

Act as the senior technical authority, resolving complex technical challenges and supporting continuous improvement

*

Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, commissioning, and project teams to ensure successful system delivery

*

Provide occasional on-site commissioning and technical support when required

What You’ll Bring

*

Extensive experience delivering PLC / HMI control software for complex automation systems

*

Proven leadership of software engineering teams and full lifecycle project delivery

*

Strong commissioning experience and system-level troubleshooting capability

*

Deep understanding of software standards, documentation, and validation processes

*

Experience working within multi-disciplinary engineering environments

Desirable: experience with robotics, machine vision, motion control, or advanced automation technologies.

Impact: Drive the successful delivery of sophisticated automation systems, shape technical direction on major engineering programmes, and lead teams developing next-generation industrial solutions

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer (C++/Unreal)

Principal Software Engineer (C++ / Unreal Engine)

Senior Software Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.

Robotics Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

Robotics looks futuristic from the outside. People picture humanoid machines, cutting-edge labs & young engineers writing complex code. In the UK job market, the reality is more practical and more encouraging for career switchers: robotics is already embedded across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, defence, construction & inspection. That means there are real jobs for people in their 30s, 40s & 50s who bring operational experience, delivery skills, quality discipline & the ability to work with real-world systems. This article gives you a clear UK reality check on robotics careers for career switchers: what roles genuinely exist, which paths are most realistic, what skills employers actually hire for, how long retraining tends to take & whether age is a factor.