Software Engineer

Written By Jake Norman

📍 Location: Peterborough, PE2 6YN | Up to £45k (Subject to Experience) | Full-Time, Permanent

The software you build this month might prevent a product recall. Next month it might run a robotic cell.

OAL's software engineers work across compliance, vision, robotics and traceability systems for UK food manufacturers. One project might be a label verification system for a major retailer. The next might be software for a robotic palletising cell, a vision inspection system catching defects on apples, or a traceability platform tracking every ingredient for your favourite loaf of bread from intake to dispatch. You develop them at OAL's Peterborough base, deploy them at customer sites and support them once they are running.

This is not a pure desk role. You will write code, but you will also travel to factories to commission what you have built, support field engineers remotely, and pick up customer support tickets to SLA targets. Expect a mix of development, deployment and support throughout the year.

Develop software to control advanced robotic food manufacturing systems

Your skills probably already fit

  • Languages and frameworks: .NET, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Entity Framework, VB6

  • Platforms: Inductive Automation's Ignition (SCADA/MES), Azure DevOps

  • Databases: MSSQL, SQL Server

  • Industrial awareness: familiarity with PLCs (Rockwell or Beckhoff), machine vision systems, or robotic system integration

  • Ways of working: Agile methodologies, version control, structured documentation

You do not need all of these, and you do not need food manufacturing experience. If you are strong in some areas and willing to learn the rest, that works. What matters is clean code and taking responsibility for what you deliver.

What we expect, and what you get

You own the quality of what you deliver. The work is structured: defined processes, technical reviews, proper version control. You will travel to customer sites for deployments. Support is part of the role, and you need to be comfortable switching between planned development and reactive tickets.

In return: software running on real production lines, a broad technical stack spanning SCADA, databases, PLC integration, machine vision and robotics, variety across customers and sites, and progression based on what you deliver.

What we are looking for

  • At least 3 years of experience in software development

  • Degree in Computer Science, IT or a related field

  • Experience with at least some of: .NET, JavaScript, MSSQL, Ignition, PLC integration

  • Full UK driving licence and willing to travel to customer sites across the UK

Interested?

Please complete the form below. Tell us what you have worked on, what platforms you are comfortable with, and what interests you about this role. We do not need a long cover letter.

Jake Norman
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