PLC Software Engineer

PLC Software Controls Engineer (E2) | Automation - Peripherals and Mobile Robotics | Hybrid Working | Athens

Introduction:

Ocado Technology is changing the way the world shops using advanced Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Big Data, Cloud and IoT. We develop the innovative software and hardware systems that power Ocado.com, as well as the unique ‘Ocado Smart Platform’ which is being implemented by ambitious retailers across the world from Europe to America, Asia and beyond.

Ocado Technology - Greece (acquisition):https://www.myrmex-inc.com/blog/19

Our R&D department is based in Athens, Greece, where a team of brilliant engineers are developing disruptive material handling systems for the online grocery industry and other retail verticals. We pioneer innovative order fulfilment solutions and last-mile delivery business models tailored for retailers and supply chain-intensive sectors. Our mission is to assist them in overcoming the challenges inherent in modernising their systems and processes to effectively address complex industry issues. Some of the most innovative retailers globally have already partnered with us, and we are delivering products and services for them.

If you are excited about the cross-section where machines meet humans, about the future of work, retail and supply chains, and want to help transform the European logistics industry via Greek technologies, we are interested in getting to know you.

About the Role

Ocado’s Peripherals are the machines around the grid that handle totes. They run in Customer Fulfilment Centres around the world, and every order on the Ocado Smart Platform passes through them.

Join a new team in our Athens development centre that owns the PLC software for this entire portfolio, end to end, and is building PLC controls competency across Peripherals and Mobile Robotics. You will oversee the full control systems lifecycle, from initial design and prototyping to launching new machinery in live warehouse environments. Your work will directly affect the reliability and efficiency of the systems powering the platform worldwide.

As a technical authority, you will work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners, combining software engineering with hands-on work on live machinery.

In this role, you will:

• Build first-of-a-kind machines. New stations start with the function list, software specification and interface documents, then move on to code, test rig and commissioning.
• Deliver safety-critical systems on new grids. We build the PLC and safety PLC software for new projects launching around the world.
• Work across both major platforms: Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and Siemens TIA Portal, with EtherCAT, PROFINET, IO-Link, servo drives and safety PLCs.
• See your work run live. You’ll commission machines at our Athens test loops, at Ocado sites and at client sites, and support the global fleet through our on-call rota. Your code will run in real warehouses.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain PLC software for peripheral machines on Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and Siemens TIA Portal, from concept and prototype to live operation.
• Build and extend our shared PLC libraries, so new machines can be put together quickly and reliably from tested building blocks.
• Write the engineering documents for new machines: function lists, software specifications, interface control documents and messaging specifications.
• Validate software early with simulation, automated unit tests and integration tests against the Ocado software stack on our Athens test rigs.
• Contribute to safety PLC software and safety specification reviews, working with the safety owners and following the documented safety design.
• Troubleshoot with mechanical and electrical designers and suppliers during development, commissioning and live operation.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• A degree in Engineering, Computer Science or a related subject.
• Solid commercial experience developing PLC software for industrial machinery on Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and/or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Hands-on field experience commissioning automated equipment: I/O checkout, fieldbus and network setup, drive configuration and fault-finding on live machines.
• Strong Structured Text skills and a good grasp of structured, modular PLC design, such as function blocks, interfaces and state machines.
• Confidence reading electrical schematics and working closely with mechanical and electrical engineers.
• A methodical approach to diagnosing problems that span the PLC, field devices, networks and higher-level systems.
• Good written and spoken English for working with teams in the UK and worldwide.

Nice to Haves

• Experience on both Beckhoff and Siemens platforms.
• Experience with Git or another version control system.
• Functional safety experience.
• Experience with motion control, servo drives and IO-Link devices.
• A background in material handling, conveyors or warehouse automation.
• Experience with simulation or virtual commissioning.
• Experience writing functional design specifications and interface documents.
• Familiarity with Agile ways of working (Scrum or Kanban), and an interest in AI-assisted development tools.

Benefits

Our employee benefits are designed for you. We care about people and we've ensured we have a wealth of benefits that focus on your well-being. We regularly review our benefits to ensure we are supporting our employees appropriately. Currently, we offer technically stretching work, a competitive salary and:

• A hybrid working policy that sees you in the office typically 40% of your time.
• 30 days 'working from anywhere' policy
• Private Medical Insurance
• Meal tickets
• Home office equipment
• Opportunity to participate in share schemes
• Regular divisional socials, sports clubs and access to the Ocado Technology Academy for a packed schedule of courses, conferences and events.

If you think you have what it takes to make a difference, please submit your application below.

Be bold, be unique, be brilliant, be you. We are looking for individuality and we value diversity. We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and equally. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive work environment. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.