Software Engineer – Industrial Automation (Material Handling & Controls)

Sector: Aviation Security Screening Systems

Location: North West UK (must be based in NW)

Travel: Occasional (approx. 1 trip per month)

Type: Full-time | Permanent / Temp-to-Perm considered

Salary: TBC

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer with a strong background in industrial automation and material handling systems to support the development and deployment of advanced conveyor-based solutions used within aviation security environments. This role sits within a specialist engineering environment delivering automated passenger screening lane systems deployed globally. Candidates must have very specific hands-on experience in PLC-based automation, conveyors, and commissioning environments—this is not a process industry role.

Key Focus Areas

• Automated material handling systems (conveyors, robotics integration)
• PLC-based control systems supporting high-throughput environments
• Airport security screening lane automation
• System commissioning, support, and on-site troubleshooting

Must-Have Requirements (Critical – please read carefully)

We are only considering candidates who meet all or most of the following:

• North West UK based (essential)
• Strong experience in material handling systems
• Conveyors
• Robotics integration
• Automated movement systems

? Not process industry (no pumps, chemicals, oil & gas, etc.)

• Willingness to travel internationally occasionally (approx. xbpsjku once per month)
• Strong Siemens PLC experience (primary requirement)
• Proven hands-on commissioning and field support experience
• Factory acceptance testing (FAT)
• Site installation & commissioning (SAT)
• Fault-finding in live environments

Additional Requirements

• Strong understanding of industrial automation software/control systems
• Ability to read and interpret technical electrical/mechanical drawings
• Confident troubleshooting skills in live system environments
• Comfortable working across engineering and commissioning phases
• Strong communication skills for site/customer interaction
• Siemens PLC expertise + commissioning background
• Real material handling / conveyor automation experience
• Willingness to travel internationally
• NW UK location requirement

What's on Offer

• Work on cutting-edge aviation security automation systems
• International project exposure (airport environments)
• High-technology, real-world deployed systems (not R&D only)
• Strong long-term project pipeline in a niche sector
• Opportunity to work across full system lifecycle (build → test → deploy → support)

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