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. 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