Job Description

Software Design Engineer (Siemens).
Rate: 450-500 per day charge rate.
Location: Nottingham
Contract Length: Initial 3 Months (with potential extension)
We are seeking an experienced Contract Software Design Engineer to provide specialist consultancy and technical support across a range of automation projects. This role is ideal for an independent professional with deep expertise in PLC programming, control systems, and automated production machinery.
About the Client
Our client is a rapidly growing industrial engineering business group. They specialise in the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, and servicing of control systems for the automated warehouse and logistics industry. Alongside sister companies in systems integration and automation, they deliver end-to-end solutions covering PLC programming, HMI software, hardware design, control panel manufacturing, and full on-site commissioning. Their projects span diverse automation technologies, from conveyors and pallet handling to robotics and high-speed sortation systems.
Key Responsibilities
Design and Develop Automation Software

• Architect, implement, and optimise software components for warehouse automation systems, including material handling equipment, conveyor controls, sorters, automated storage systems, and robotic solutions.

PLC and Industrial Control System Programming

• Create and maintain PLC logic (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Step 7, S7-1200/1500) and HMI/SCADA interfaces for high-throughput logistics operations.

Integrate Mechatronic Systems

• Develop software interfaces and communication modules for sensors, actuators, drives, programmable controllers, and industrial networks (e.g., PROFINET, OPC UA).

System Architecture & Requirements Engineering

• Translate customer and business requirements into technical specifications, functional designs, and modular software architectures aligned with Siemens automation standards.

Software Testing, Simulation & Commissioning

• Conduct unit testing, system simulation, virtual commissioning, and on-site commissioning to ensure robust, reliable, and safe system performance.

Optimise Warehouse Throughput & System Performance

• Analyse data, identify bottlenecks, and implement software improvements to enhance system efficiency, throughput, and reliability.

Customer Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide technical support during installation, testing, and ramp-up; troubleshoot software-related issues in live warehouse environments.

Documentation & Lifecycle Management

• Create detailed technical documentation, including software design specifications, system architecture diagrams, test plans, and change logs.

Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and project engineering teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.

Contractor Profile

• Experienced Software Design Engineer with a strong background in control systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation.
• Extensive hands-on expertise with Siemens PLC technologies, including S7-300/400 and TIA Portal, applied across automated machinery and logistics environments.
• Proven track record acting as a technical expert within machinery systems integration, supporting full project lifecycles from design through commissioning.
• Deep understanding of automated production machinery, warehouse automation equipment, and end-to-end manufacturing processes.
• Highly skilled in control software design, including PLC logic development, debugging, system tuning, and performance optimisation.
• Strong ability to interpret and work from electrical and pneumatic schematics, ensuring accurate integration of software with mechanical and electrical systems.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial hardware components such as motors, drives, sensors, and actuators, supporting effective system-level design decisions.
• Analytical, detail-oriented engineer with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and seamless integration within complex automation systems.

Apply Today
Take the next step in your engineering career with a dynamic and well-established company.
Apply directly on this site or send your CV to adil.shaikh@ata-recruitment.co.uk
ATA Recruitment specialises in contract and permanent roles within Manufacturing, Civil, Infrastructure, Transportation, and General Engineering.
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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

Skills Required