Senior PLC Software Engineer

Are you an experienced Controls or Software Engineer looking to work on next-generation vehicle technologies?

This is an exceptional opportunity to join an innovative engineering team developing advanced control systems for electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicles operating in demanding environments worldwide.

Working at the forefront of vehicle controls, automation and software development, you'll play a key role in transforming complex vehicle functionality into robust, reliable and industry-leading software solutions. From concept and architecture through to testing, validation and deployment, you'll be involved in the full product development lifecycle while working on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of transportation.

If you're passionate about embedded systems, vehicle controls, automation and software innovation, this role offers the chance to make a genuine impact within a highly respected engineering environment

As a Senior Controls Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development and integration of sophisticated vehicle control systems used across a range of advanced vehicle platforms.

Working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you'll develop software architectures, define control strategies, integrate complex electronic systems and validate solutions through rigorous testing processes.

This role offers the opportunity to work across electric propulsion systems, autonomous technologies, advanced diagnostics, communication networks and embedded control applications within a highly innovative engineering environment.

• Develop software architecture and functional specifications using platforms such as CoDeSys and Danfoss PLUS+1
• Translate vehicle functionality requirements into robust software solutions
• Design and implement advanced control strategies for electric, hybrid and conventional vehicle systems
• Support model-based development using MATLAB, Simulink and Stateflow
• Promote software standardisation, reusability and best practice across multiple vehicle platforms

• Define electronic architectures and hardware solutions
• Integrate ECUs, motors, drives, sensors, energy storage systems and vehicle control systems
• Ensure reliable communication using CAN, J1939, Ethernet and CAN Open protocols
• Support autonomous vehicle and auxiliary system integration projects
• Implement diagnostics, fault management and remote monitoring capabilities

• Perform vehicle-level testing and system validation
• Conduct Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing
• Carry out fault insertion testing and functional verification activities
• Support prototype development, workshop testing and field trials
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety and quality standards

• Support multiple engineering projects simultaneously
• Develop project plans and software delivery schedules
• Maintain detailed technical documentation and traceability records
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, FMEA and root cause investigations
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across software and systems engineering functions

You will be an experienced controls or software engineer with a strong background in vehicle systems, automation, embedded software or advanced machinery controls.

• Degree qualified in Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience
• Minimum 5 years' experience within OEM, Tier 1 automotive, off-highway, heavy equipment or vehicle engineering environments
• Strong experience in software development and systems integration
• Proficient with CoDeSys, MATLAB, Simulink and Stateflow
• Experience developing embedded control systems and software architectures
• Strong understanding of CAN, Ethernet, CAN Open and J1939 communication protocols
• Experience delivering projects through the full development lifecycle
• Understanding of software development methodologies including the V-Model
• Experience with design verification and validation processes
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills

• Experience working with electric and hybrid vehicle technologies
• Knowledge of functional safety principles
• Experience with autonomous vehicle systems
• Familiarity with HIL and SIL testing environments
• Experience using Vector CANalyzer, CANfox or similar vehicle diagnostic tools
• Knowledge of FMEA, 8D and structured root cause analysis methodologies

• 65,000+ depending on experience
• Annual bonus scheme
• Annual salary reviews
• Flexi-time working
• Early finish every Friday
• 30 days holiday
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
• Health Cash Plan
• Death in Service cover
• Gym membership discounts
• Salary sacrifice schemes
• High street discounts
• Branded clothing allowance
• Free Will Writing Service
• Fully funded Summer and Christmas events
• Fundraising and social events
• Bereavement leave
• Parental leave
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• Exposure to advanced electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicle technologies

This is far more than a traditional software engineering role.

You'll have the opportunity to work on innovative vehicle technologies, influence product development from concept to deployment, and contribute to projects involving electrification, automation, connectivity and autonomous operation.

For ambitious engineers seeking technical challenge, career growth and the chance to work on genuinely exciting engineering programmes, this represents an outstanding opportunity.

Apply today for a confidential discussion.