PLC Software Engineer - #151460

About Us

We are Ocado Technology and we empower global grocery retailers with cutting-edge cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) powers highly automated Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs), enabling efficient, single-pick online grocery delivery

About The Role

Responsible for control system aspects of a group of products within the Warehouse Automation area, across the full product lifecycle. This includes creation of new cutting edge machinery, from design to launch in a live warehouse environment, as well as providing support for automated machinery already present and operating in Ocado supplied warehouses globally.

Software Development

• Develop a PLC library that enables quick and consistent creation of new Ocado machinery.
• Develop a PLC library that allows bespoke systems integrated by third parties to be consistent in all Ocado warehouses.
• Undertake reviews of architecture and design of supplied third party systems to ensure compliance with Ocado standards.
• Create reliable systems, integrating the previously mentioned library, that allows diagnosis of the status of the machinery and helps the warehouse engineers to effectively support it.
• Create a suite of automated tests in order to simulate the PLC behaviour before the software gets deployed into a real machine.
  
  

Prototyping And Testing

• Undertake commissioning and testing of prototypes and first-of-a-kind machinery at Ocado and Client sites, including global travel when required.
• Execute software integration tests to validate the correct system interactions with the full Ocado software stack.
• Document and report issues or improvements identified during commissioning or testing.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical designers during commissioning to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
  
  

Support

• Respond to support requests from site teams, diagnosing reported issues and finding appropriate solutions.
• Provide training to engineering operations on manual recovery of machines, use of SCADA and fundamentals of PLC architecture and operation.
  
  

About You

• Strong problem-solving skills, technical aptitude and ability to innovate.
• Experience working with and troubleshooting electro-mechanical systems.
• Experience working in a collaborative team focused environment.
  
  

Desirable

• PLC programming experience using IEC 61131-3 compliant programming languages to develop industrial automation applications.
• Experience using Siemens TIA Portal V16+ or Beckhoff TwinCAT 3.
• Use of Profinet, EtherCAT or other fieldbus communication network including commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of electrical drawings and basic electrical fault finding.
  
  

What We Offer

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Time to recharge: 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 after 5 years), plus the option to buy more – and 30 days a year to work from anywhere in the world.
• Health & wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Family-first policies: 22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (after qualifying period).
• Financial support: Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest-free loans for train tickets.
• Commuter perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and free shuttle buses to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations.
• Exclusive discounts: 15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month).
  
  

Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, or disability or union membership status.