Automation PLC Engineer

"Ocado Technology, powering the future of retail through sustained disruptive technology innovation..." 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' - our modular and scalable software and hardware solutions.With everything from websites to fully autonomous warehouses designed in-house, our employees need to be specialists in a wide range of technologiesto help drive our business. The Automation Controls Team is responsible for all aspects of the software that directly controls the material handling equipment that makes the Ocado online shopping solution unique. We are seeking a passionate PLC Engineer to contribute to the needs of the business by working as part of our extraordinary team on designated software development projects, with an emphasis on writing robust, effective code, and developing, maintaining, deploying and supporting high-quality software systems. What you'll be doing... Software Development: * Develop efficient, reliable and supportable software solutions for Ocados warehouse based material handling systems using existing Ocado PLC code libraries. * Contribute new code to existing PLC libraries to provide new functionality / extend range applications. * Update, modify and improve existing PLC library modules. * Work with third party hardware suppliers and system integrators using both Ocado code libraries and third party supplied code. * Contribute to the development of automatic software deployment tools to support Ocado's worldwide warehouse development program. * Contribute to the development of automated tests and simulation software to improve the speed and quality of software development. * Work with project teams to review architecture and designs of 3rd party supplied systems. * Attend design review meetings with third party suppliers. Commissioning and testing: * Work with internal and external electromechanical teams to commission and test PLC controlled mechanical handling equipment. * Specify and carry out interface tests between PLCs and other Ocado software systems. * Identify issues with PLC control and communication networks and work with the relevant teams to resolve. * Assist electromechanical teams with electrical or mechanical troubleshooting. * Liaise with engineering team to report issues or improvements to the control of the MHE. * Generate MHE reliability reports for business testing team to allow handover of the equipment from project to engineering teams. Support: * Support factory and business acceptance testing. * Review and analyse the performance of new and existing systems in test and production environments and make improvements. * Investigate faults reported by the operations team and resolve PLC code related issues. * Identify electrical and mechanical issues and work with engineering operations to resolve. * Support the roll out of new features and the resolution of urgent software issues. * Provide documentation and training to engineering operational support teams. * Participate in short term go live system support and general departmental remote support rotas when required. We're passionate about people with... * A good degree, in engineering, computer science or a related subject. * Extensive experience developing PLC software for industrial applications. * Extensive on site commissioning and testing experience. * Strong problem-solving capability, technical leadership and ability to innovate. * Experience working in a collaborative team focused environment. Bonus points if you also have... * Experience working with Siemens PLC product range * Experience working with warehouse automation or similar * Profinet, Profibus & ASI bus commissioning and troubleshooting * Experience of implementing PLC controlled functional safety systems using Siemens safety PLCs. We recognise the software industry is filled with smart people from so many different backgrounds. If you enjoy being part of the team and if you like: learning fast (through experimentation, self-motivation etc); being autonomous but able to collaborate (sharing knowledge is important to us); craftsmanship and innovation (we never stop questioning how we can be better), then we look forward to hearing from you. What we can offer you... 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. Within our flexible environment we can offer technically stretching work, a competitive salary and share schemes. Benefits include pension scheme, train season ticket loan (interest-free), free shuttle bus from Hatfield train station and of course, healthy Ocado retail staff discounts. We also have regular divisional socials, sports clubs not to mention the Ocado Technology Academy for a packed schedule of cours