The Position
The Software Engineer will contribute towards the development of our next generation of Mpac automation machines.
Your skills are likely to be in developing motion control software on various PLC platforms, typically Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff for example with an aptitude to develop efficient software. An understanding and use of the PackML standard would be an advantage. Exposure to software simulation tools and testing prior to ‘on machine’ testing. Designing and configuring software to aid compliance to the Machine Directive as outlined in BS EN 12100.
Key Accountabilities
- You will be able to provide a high level of software design output through a thorough understanding of internal/ external customer and regulatory requirements.
- You will have experience of Full Lifecycle Projects for a range of process applications within Pharmaceutical and Other Process Manufacturing.
- Provision of the design & development of PLC Code from concept (Rockwell & Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley & Rockwell) Siemens (Essential) is key.
- Travel to customer sites to carry out site commissioning activities (SAT), post installation support or customer training is an essential requirement.
- In addition, you will provide a high level of commercial awareness to ensure software design solutions are delivered in the most cost-effective manner and scope changes are managed in accordance with the company’s standard operating procedures;
- Effectively communicate project status to the Control Systems Manager, customers and suppliers;
- Play a pro-active role in the department’s continuous improvement programme;
- Provide the Control Systems Manager with the required information to establish a projects performance relative to its KPI’s;
- Provide technical input at internal and external design review meetings;
- Always strive to add value to our customers, building partnerships based on trust, respect and flexibility, and communicate effectively at all times and provide unrivalled extra service, unexpected and beyond anything our competitors provide.
Key Responsibilities
- Creation and testing of PLC and HMI/SCADA software applications primarily using Siemens. Network design and implementation of industry standard protocols including MODBUS and OPC.
- Preparation of design documentation including, I/O lists, FDS, SDI, SDS, FAT/SAT Test documents.
- Knowledge of condition monitoring systems and Functional/ Machine Safety would be an advantage.
- Commissioning on customer sites in both the UK and abroad.
- Provide technical support to the sales, proposal, project and design teams, including simulations, estimating, software and hardware selection (as and when required).
- Provide a high level of skill in interpreting the customer’s and regulatory requirements to ensure software designs are perfectly aligned. This will ensure technical risk is reduced to acceptable levels and deliver solutions right first time.
- Being constantly commercially aware to maximise value to our customers and maintain a loyal customer base.
- Ensure the relevant software design documents are issued in line with the schedule enabling agreed deliveries to be met.
- Ensure that design quality is maintained throughout the project by verifying in collaboration with the Control Systems Manager/ Senior Software Engineer that the output meets the company’s standard operating procedures. This will ensure internal and external customers are satisfied.
- Communicate accurate project status to the Control Systems Manager, internal and external customers, and suppliers to ensure they can pro-actively plan.
- Contribute to the department’s continuous improvement programme to ensure the business provides the highest possible value of service to our customers.
- Compile information and report to Control Systems Manager on the project performance relative to the departments KPI’s. This will ensure the department is constantly aligned to the company’s strategy.
- Perform the role of technical support in collaboration with the Control Systems Manager / Senior Software Engineer during internal and external design review meetings to ensure key design approvals are achieved in line with project schedules.
- Plan resource requirements with the Control Systems Manager to develop the project milestones.
Knowledge & Experience
- Experience in the software design of industrial automation.
- Experience of working in an innovative environment and providing innovative solutions.
- Experience in evaluating technical requirements and providing viable solutions.
- Experience in identifying and reporting long and short-term project resource requirements.
- The generation and verification of software design documents.
- Interpretation of customer requirements and presentation of design solutions at internal design reviews.
- Commercially aware of the effective use of resources, scope change and implications of choice.
- Applying technical due diligence, being risk aware, performing FMEA and using design studies and POP work to mitigate risk.
- Knowledge of British and international standards relative to the design and installation of industrial automation systems.
- Experience of conducting assessments and generating technical documents to support the compliance to the Machinery Directive and other British and international standards.
- Experience in the validation procedures and application of GAMP.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
- Apprentice trained in Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering.
- HNC, HND, or BSC in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Proficient in the use of Rockwell and Siemens programming platforms.
- Integration of robotics into automation solutions.
- Integration of vision systems into industrial automation.
- Integration of servo drives into industrial automation.
- Process automation background.
Desirable:
- Rockwell Automation products – RSLogix/Studio 5000/FactoryTalk
- Siemens TIA Portal, Step 7.
- GE Fanuc iFix and Aveva InTouch & System Platform.
Relationship and Reporting Line
- Reports to Control Systems Manager.
- Working relationships with: Design team, Departmental managers, Customers, Suppliers, & Institutions.