Field Service Electrical Software Engineer

Field Service Software Engineer, International (≈70% travel)
Join Syntegon as a technical ambassador to our global customers, installing, commissioning and optimising advanced packaging machines and automation systems. This hands‑on role suits an experienced automation engineer who thrives on travel, customer interaction and solving complex software and motion‑control challenges on site.

You will lead on‑site installations, commissioning and customer handovers for mechanical, electrical and software elements of Syntegon machines and systems. You’ll be responsible for ensuring machines meet performance specifications through FATs in Bristol and SATs at customer sites, and for delivering clear documentation and training.

As Field Service Software Engineer you will configure, test and validate PLC control systems, HMIs, servo drives and motion modules, and set up industrial communication networks. You will execute functional checks and performance verification, diagnose and resolve software and integration faults, and provide remote support when not travelling.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on‑site installation and commissioning of automation systems (mechanical, electrical and software).
• Configure and validate PLC logic, HMI applications, servo/motion systems and networks (Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP).
• Perform FATs in Bristol and SATs at customer sites; complete functional and performance verification.
• Troubleshoot PLC, motion control, communication and electrical integration issues; provide remote diagnostics.
• Install software/firmware updates, carry out modernisation projects and recommend reliability/performance improvements.
• Produce detailed service reports and handover documentation; train operators and maintenance staff.
• Liaise with project managers, service coordinators and engineering teams globally to feed back field insights.

You are a pragmatic, customer‑focused automation engineer with solid software and motion control experience and the ability to stay calm under pressure. You enjoy working autonomously on site, building strong customer relationships and translating field experience into practical machine improvements.

Essential skills & experience:

• Minimum 7 years’ software/automation experience (PLC programming, diagnostics and commissioning).
• Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley and/or Beckhoff platforms, HMIs, servo systems and motion control.
• Familiarity with industrial networks (Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP) and the ability to read electrical/automation schematics.
• HND or equivalent engineering qualification; experience in packaging machinery, food automation or high‑speed manufacturing is a strong advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, excellent customer communication, and a professional, autonomous work style.
• Good IT literacy.

Other requirements
This role involves frequent international travel and flexible availability for customer needs and service interventions. Candidates must be eligible for global travel and hold the necessary local driving documentation.

Must‑haves:

• Willingness to travel globally up to ~70%, often on short notice.
• Valid passport and eligibility for international travel.
• Full UK driving licence.

You’ll join an international team working on leading packaging technology, with strong investment in your technical development and career growth. We provide competitive pay, travel allowances and comprehensive training to keep your skills at the cutting edge.

Benefits highlights:

• Competitive salary with regular reviews
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays to recharge
• Generous pension scheme with Aviva
• Company Car
• Life assurance of 7 x annual salary for peace of mind
• Simply Health medical cashback plan for everyday healthcare costs
• Income protection after 2 years’ service
• Cycle to Work and Tech schemes to make life easier
• Wellbeing support through Everymind at Work
• A friendly, social culture with regular activities and the chance to grow your career in a global company with a local spirit
• Extensive technical training on Syntegon platforms and equipment.

• International, varied projects with opportunities for career progression.