Software Team Leader at Mpac Group
Purpose of the Role
To support and develop a team of software engineers through effective pastoral care, fostering their well‑being, engagement, and professional growth, while also contributing directly to the delivery of software solutions for automation and machinery projects. The role helps maintain a positive team environment and provides hands‑on software engineering input to achieve high‑quality, reliable, and compliant project outcomes.
Department Responsibilities
* Provide pastoral and line management support to software engineers, including appraisals, performance discussions, well‑being monitoring, mentoring, and managing holidays and sickness.
* Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing software engineering culture that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and shared problem‑solving.
* Support Software/Design Management in developing, maintaining, and enforcing engineering processes, coding standards, documentation frameworks, and best‑practice software development methodologies.
* Encourage and participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance software quality, efficiency, and maintainability.
* Ensure adherence to relevant industry standards, coding conventions, safety requirements, and internal quality procedures.
Project Responsibilities
* Contribute directly to software engineering activities, including PLC/HMI programming and design, motion control, robotics integration, and safety system configuration.
* Support software project due diligence, including requirement analysis, risk identification, functional safety considerations, and validation planning.
* Participate in and support design reviews, ensuring software design, architecture, and documentation meet customer, regulatory, and internal expectations.
* Collaborate closely with Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, Project Management, and Build/Commissioning teams to ensure coordinated delivery of project milestones.
* Support machine commissioning, debugging, FAT/SAT, and customer handover.
* Track and report project progress, risks, and Estimated Time to Completion (ETC) to Project Managers and Software/Design Management.
* Ensure software documentation (e.g., SDS, FDS, test reports, release notes, manuals) is accurate, complete, and delivered on schedule.
* Escalate project, team, or technical issues to Software/Design Management for timely intervention.
* Maintain awareness of commercial implications of software development, including scope control and efficient resource usage.
Outputs / Deliverables
* Clear, concise, and timely project updates, including progress, ETC, risk assessment, and milestone status.
* High‑quality, robust, and maintainable software deliverables that meet specifications, safety standards, and project requirements.
* Accurate and complete software documentation, including design specifications, test documentation, and release materials.
* Consistent adherence to software engineering processes, coding standards, and documentation requirements across the team.
* Demonstrated development and well‑being of team members through mentoring, structured feedback, and regular appraisals.
* Active contribution to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance software delivery, quality, and reliability.
Mpac Core Values
* Integrity
* Drive
* Collaboration
* Expertise
* Innovation
Essential Knowledge and Experience
* Proven experience leading or supporting software engineering teams within an industrial automation, machinery, or manufacturing environment.
* Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, including requirement gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and support.
* Demonstrated experience delivering PLC/HMI/motion software for automated equipment or machinery.
* Strong understanding of engineering principles, functional safety fundamentals, and machine safety protocols.
* Experience coordinating software deliverables within multidisciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, controls, project management).
* Demonstrated ability to enforce engineering processes, coding standards, and documentation quality.
* Strong problem‑solving capability and experience managing technical risks.
* Hands‑on experience producing or reviewing Software Design Specifications (SDS), Functional Design Specifications (FDS), and testing documentation.
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
* Experience implementing or contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
* Exposure to Agile or hybrid project management methods in an engineering or automation context.
* Experience working on bespoke or special‑purpose automation equipment.
* Experience working across global or multi‑site teams.
* Familiarity with cost estimation, resource planning, or budget awareness for software development work.
* Experience with system risk assessments, FMEA, structured testing, or safety validation activities.
Essential Technical Skills and Qualifications
* Qualification in Software Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical discipline (Apprenticeship, HNC/HND, Degree).
* Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, motion control configuration, and automation software debugging.
* Experience with major PLC/automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff).
* Solid understanding of relevant standards such as IEC 61131‑3, IEC/ISO safety standards, and CE/UKCA compliance requirements.
* Experience using version control systems and software lifecycle management tools.
* Ability to create and maintain accurate technical documentation for compliance, traceability, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing.
Desirable Technical Skills and Qualifications
* Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar field.
* Chartered Engineer status or working toward registration (e.g., IET, BCS).
* Experience with advanced software engineering or simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, digital twins, etc.).
* Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT systems, data integration, or smart manufacturing concepts.
* Experience with SCADA, database‑driven systems, OPC UA, or networked automation architectures.
* Experience with Jira, Azure DevOps, or equivalent tools for task management, planning, and documentation.
* Ability to configure or administer Jira/Confluence for agile workflows, sprint planning, and collaboration.
* Project management certifications (PRINCE2, PMP) or leadership development training.
Relationship and Reporting Line
* Reports to: Controls Manager
* Working relationships with: Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Commissioning
Location: Barwick in Elmet, England, United Kingdom
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