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Ocado Careers

PLC Software Engineer

Welwyn Garden City, UK

Software Engineer - Fulfilment Automation | Welwyn Garden City | Hybrid (2 days office)

About us:

Ocado Technology is putting the world’s retailers online using the cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT. We develop the innovative software and systems that power Ocado.com, the world’s largest online-only grocery retailer as well as the global ‘Ocado Smart Platform’. With everything from websites to fully autonomous warehouses that we design in-house, our employees need to be specialists in a wide range of technologies to help drive our business. We champion a value-led culture to get our teams working at their very best and to help create a collaborative working environment that our people love. Core values of Trust, Autonomy, Craftsmanship, Collaboration and Learn Fast help drive our innovative culture.

About the role: Automation Fulfilment

The purpose of this role is to increase the team's capacity to manage upcoming workloads while providing sufficient support for existing prototype and production systems, including DTM, CSM, TIM, TOM, and Tote Photography, as well as exploring new opportunities. 

The role involves designing, developing, prototyping, commissioning, and troubleshooting high-quality prototype machines using repeatable PLC/IPC-controlled systems that integrate with various warehouse control and reporting systems, ensuring efficient and reliable operations. Roles and responsibilities will include:

  • Develop PLC code for new automation products and reusable library-compliant code for OSP peripheral stations, ensuring reliable systems through data-driven development.
  • Create and implement functionality to determine machinery state, including alarms and fault trees for root cause analysis.
  • Design software architectures, produce interface specifications, and influence hardware and electrical design through active participation in design reviews and technology selection.
  • Develop and troubleshoot control code for various hardware configurations, support electromechanical setup and parameterization, and provide advanced fieldbus network diagnostics.
  • Lead the development of machines from concept through to production release, ensuring efficient warehouse software roll-outs through tooling, pipelines, and automated deployment processes.
  • Collaborate with product improvement engineers, design teams, and hardware teams to resolve issues, provide training, and maintain detailed knowledge of all equipment.
  • Support commissioning at FAT and SAT, manage remote software deployments, and refine backlog activities, including fault triage and investigation.
  • Maintain strong version control practices, provide end-user training, and organise support for existing field equipment, either through documentation, on-call, or on-site support.
  • Engage in ongoing review and improvement discussions, contributing to the enhancement of supplied equipment.

What we’re looking for: 

Essential

  • At least 5 years experience working with mechanical handling equipment or warehouse environments
  • Proven experience developing high complexity PLC software for industrial applications.
  • Strong problem-solving credentials, technical leadership and ability to innovate.
  • Experience in coding from scratch
  • Hands on experience with hardware commissioning activities
  • Experience with Git
  • Understanding of electrical drawings and basic electrical fault finding skills.
  • Experience working in a collaborative team focused environment.

Desirable

  • Siemens TIA portal and Beckoff TwinCAT
  • Profinet and EtherCAT commissioning and troubleshooting
  • Experience using motion technologies and electrical actuation
  • Qualifications and experience designing functional safety systems
  • Experience in Agile workflow and Jira
  • Industrial robot integration experience

What do I get in return:

  • Hybrid working model (2 days in the office)
  • 30 days ‘work from anywhere’ policy + 
  • Remote working for the month of August
  • 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase)
  • Pension scheme (various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%)
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete)
  • Train Ticket loan (interest-free)
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Opportunity to participate in Share save and Buy as You Earn share schemes
  • 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees
  • Income Protection(can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years) and Life Assurance(3 x annual salary)
  • Share options + free shares annually 

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About Ocado Group

When our journey started, we were all about changing the way people shop for groceries. 20 years later, we’re developing our own ground breaking technology, opening multiple sites at an accelerating rate and engaging in exciting new business partnerships around the world!

Transforming an industry also means transforming the way we do business.   As we continually develop new technologies and customer propositions, we’re looking for the Everyday Pioneers to lead us into the next stage of our evolution: enhancing our capabilities, inspiring our teams and developing new ways of working.

Changing the way the world shops, for good.

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