Software & Controls Engineer Location: Wakefield
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Working Pattern: Full time / Site based
We're working in partnership with a well-established food manufacturing business to recruit an experienced Software & Controls Engineer for a key site-based engineering role.
This is a technically focused opportunity to take ownership of industrial control systems and operational technology, ensuring reliability, security and performance across a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role plays a vital part in supporting plant uptime, food safety, continuous improvement and future technology development.
The Role You'll be responsible for the lifecycle management, development and optimisation of software and control systems, ensuring they operate safely, reliably and in line with business and regulatory standards.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing the full lifecycle of industrial control systems, including software backups, version control and technical documentation
Fault-finding and root cause analysis of control system and OT issues to minimise downtime
Developing, modifying and implementing PLC and SCADA application software to improve plant performance
Managing control system change processes and ensuring controlled implementation of updates
Planning for system obsolescence and contributing to disaster recovery strategies
Implementing and maintaining OT cyber-security measures in line with company policy
Maintaining OT asset registers and up-to-date network diagrams
Supporting development of site revenue and capital budgets related to control systems and OT
Supporting delivery of site-led and centrally driven automation and control projects
Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, increase efficiency and improve product quality
Supporting sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives through control system optimisation
Collecting, analysing and reporting performance data to inform decision-making
Ensuring all engineering activities comply with health & safety, food safety and quality standards
About You Proven experience in a Software, Controls or Automation Engineering role within food manufacturing (bakery or FMCG desirable)
Strong hands-on experience with industrial control systems lifecycle management
Proficient in PLC and SCADA programming, configuration and diagnostics
Experience implementing and maintaining cyber-security controls for OT environments
Strong understanding of automation systems, industrial networking and operational technology
Experience contributing to engineering projects and capital improvements
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic, data-led approach
Effective communicator able to work collaboratively with engineering and manufacturing teams
Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment
Good understanding of food safety, machine safety and engineering compliance requirements
What's on Offer High-impact technical role with ownership of critical software and control systems
Opportunity to influence plant reliability, efficiency and future automation strategy
Exposure to control systems, OT cyber-security, energy management and continuous improvement projects
Supportive manufacturing environment with strong investment in engineering capability and standards
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