Senior Control Systems / Electrical Software Engineer – Siemens | Machinery | R&D-Led

South Manchester

This role sits within a well-established, engineering-led machinery manufacturer known for high-quality equipment and strong customer support. The machines are already proven in the field. The focus now is on evolving and improving the product range, not constant firefighting.

The role is Siemens-led and hands-on, covering the full lifecycle of the machine.

The role

• Writing, structuring and maintaining PLC code using Siemens S7 / TIA Portal / WinCC
• Working closely with mechanical and software teams during design and build
• Staying involved through factory test, commissioning feedback and continuous improvement
• Supporting service and production when required, with proper context and ownership

Roughly 50% of the role is R&D and product improvement, with the remaining time split between production and service support. Travel is part of the role, but it’s sensible and planned, typically 4–8 weeks per year, not constant commissioning or life on the road.

What they’re looking for

• Strong Siemens PLC experience (TIA Portal essential)
• Background in bespoke machinery or special-purpose equipment
• Comfortable working across design, build, test and service environments
• Able to work autonomously as a trusted controls engineer, while engaging with external support where needed
• Someone who values good engineering practice and long-term product quality

This is not a large controls department with layers of management. It suits an engineer who enjoys ownership, autonomy and technical depth.

Salary & benefits

• Salary typically £45,000 – £65,000 (dependent on experience)
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Early finish on Fridays
• One day per week home working (where project stage allows)
• Company pension scheme
• Health insurance
• Stable workload with long-term product focus
• Supportive, low-ego engineering culture

Roles offering this balance of Siemens, machinery, R&D and sensible travel don’t come up often. If this sounds like the sort of engineering environment you’re looking for, please get in touch.

Role is in South Manchester and commutable from Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside.

Previous job titles may include: Controls Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, PLC Engineer, Automation Engineer, Service Engineer, Applications Engineer, Software Engineer

Cressida Consulting Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy. All applications will be handled in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. By applying for this role, you consent to your data being processed and stored for recruitment purposes. You can request to have your data removed at any time.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not available for this position