Senior Software; Automation Engineer

SCX is a UK-based engineering business with a reputation for innovation, precision, and delivery in complex mechanical handling and kinetic architecture systems. With a portfolio spanning world-class projects in Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear, Sports & Entertainment, and Infrastructure sectors, SCX continues to invest in its people, processes, and operational capability to meet growing demand and exceed customer expectations.

The Senior Software (Automation) Engineer plays a vital role in leading the design, development, testing, and commissioning of software systems that support the operation of advanced control panels used at SCX's test facility and client sites. This position ensures seamless integration between software and hardware, enabling safe and reliable system performance in real-world environments.

Managing a small software team, the Senior Software (Automation) Engineer provides technical expertise across the full development lifecycle - from concept through to commissioning - while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and compliance.

• Manage a small software team to develop robust and scalable software applications for control systems that meet operational, safety, and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with hardware and electrical engineers to ensure effective integration between software and control panel components.
• Write, test, and review high-quality code, implementing algorithms and communication protocols suited to control environments.
• Optimise software performance through debugging, simulation, and iterative testing.
• Commission software at the in-house test facility and on-site, validating system performance against design specifications.
• Produce and maintain testing documentation to verify compliance with functional and safety requirements.
• Participate in on-site commissioning activities, resolving real-time issues affecting software and control system interaction.
• Support the commissioning team in diagnosing and rectifying integration challenges between software and hardware.

• Deliver software solutions on time, within scope, and aligned with technical and safety standards.
• Manage development tasks effectively, maintaining clear documentation and reporting progress to project leads.

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and commissioning engineers to align software design with system requirements.
• Collaborate with the commissioning team to resolve cross-disciplinary integration challenges.

• Ensure all software systems and related commissioning activities comply with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Implement fail-safe mechanisms and perform safety reviews to maintain system integrity and compliance.
• Maintain detailed documentation of commissioning procedures, system configurations, test results, and modifications.

• Troubleshoot software-related issues identified during testing or reported by end-users.
• Provide software updates, fixes, and support throughout the system lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including codebases, configuration files, and user instructions.
• Identify opportunities to enhance software performance, usability, and hardware integration.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of tools, processes, and best practices to improve software development and commissioning efficiency.

• Proven experience in software development, ideally within a control systems, automation, or industrial engineering environment.
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLCs (Control Logix)
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley HMI / SCADA systems
• Industrial automation including motors and drives.
• Proficient in software programming languages relevant to control systems (e.g. C/C++, Python, structured text, ladder logic, etc.).
• Strong understanding of control systems, communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP), and hardware integration.
• Experience with software testing, commissioning, and fault diagnosis in real-world environments.
• Familiarity with safety-critical…