Kigtek Solutions - Senior Software Controls Engineer

Are you an experienced software controls engineer with a passion for designing robust, safety-critical automation solutions? Kigtek Solutions is seeking a Senior Software Controls Engineer to lead the development, delivery and optimisation of control systems across Distilling, Brewing, Food Manufacturing and Renewable Energy sectors. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to translate client requirements into maintainable, secure and efficient software for PLCs, SCADA and HMI platforms, contributing to projects from concept through to handover and lifecycle support., * Lead the design, development, testing and commissioning of software control systems for PLCs, SCADA and HMI, ensuring solutions meet technical and regulatory requirements.

• Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation including functional design specifications, software architecture diagrams, control philosophies, test plans and user manuals.
• Own software engineering activities across the project lifecycle: requirements capture, detailed design, coding, simulation, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site commissioning (SAT) and client handover.
• Implement and review standards, coding practices and configuration management to ensure maintainability, traceability and safety of control software.
• Undertake site surveys and lead on-site commissioning, troubleshooting and optimisation of both new and legacy control systems in live operational environments.
• Collaborate with electrical, instrumentation, systems and project teams to integrate controls with field devices, MES, historian and third-party systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and act as a technical authority for software controls within projects and client engagements.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders, presenting technical proposals, risk assessments and demonstrating delivered solutions.

• Ideally a recognised engineering qualification (Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent) in Electrical, Controls, Automation, Software or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing industrial control software for PLCs, SCADA and HMI platforms (vendor-agnostic experience desirable).
• Strong software engineering skills: structured programming, state machine design, version control, unit and integration testing.
• Knowledge of industrial communications and protocols (e.g. Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA) and experience integrating with field devices and historians.
• Demonstrable experience of commissioning, FAT/SAT activities and troubleshooting control systems in live process environments.
• Excellent technical documentation skills and the ability to produce clear, concise specifications and test documentation.
• Confident communicator with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and engage with clients at all levels.
• Full UK driving licence with willingness to travel to client and project sites

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with safety-related control systems and standards (e.g. IEC 61508, IEC 61511, SIL assessments).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, remote monitoring, IIoT solutions and cyber security best practices for industrial control systems.
• Exposure to specific vendor toolsets (e.g. Schneider Electric, Rockwell, Siemens, AVEVA/Wonderware) and migration/upgrade projects.
• Experience in Agile delivery methods, automated testing frameworks and DevOps practices for control software.
• Prior experience delivering projects in the water industry or other regulated process sectors.

• Work on meaningful, technology-driven projects that support critical infrastructure and sustainable outcomes.
• Opportunities for professional development, training and career progression within a supportive, innovative team.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• A collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and technical excellence.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, pension, annual bonus and comprehensive employee benefits.
• Company share scheme (subject to qualifying periods), EV car scheme and Health Shield healthcare plan.
• 33 days holidays (inclusive of bank holidays), death in service insurance and ongoing support for professional development and certifications.
• An inclusive workplace where technical leadership is recognised and your contributions help shape project success.

About Kigtek Solutions

Kigtek Solutions delivers practical, resilient automation and digital solutions for theDistilling, Brewing, Food Manufacturing and Renewable Energy sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine engineering rigour with modern software practices to deliver systems that are safe, secure and future-ready. Join us to help shape the next generation of industrial control systems.