Senior Machine Build Engineer

Are you an experienced Machine Build Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechanical Fitter or Electro-Mechanical Engineer looking for your next challenge?

Do you enjoy building bespoke automation equipment from the ground up, working closely with design engineers and seeing your work progress from concept through to commissioning?

We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Senior Machine Build Engineer to join their Automation team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design, build and commissioning of bespoke automated manufacturing equipment that supports cutting-edge production technology.

What's the role all about?

As a Senior Machine Build Engineer, you'll take a leading role in building and commissioning special purpose automation machinery used within a high-tech manufacturing environment.

Working alongside Mechanical, Electrical, Controls and Software Engineers, you'll build complex automated systems from engineering drawings, assist with machine development and play a key role in machine proving and commissioning before release into production.

This is a varied, hands-on engineering role where no two projects are the same.

Key responsibilities

Build bespoke automation and special purpose machinery from engineering drawings

Assemble complex mechanical sub-assemblies to high precision standards

Carry out electrical cabinet wiring, machine hard wiring and electrical testing

Install and configure pneumatic systems and associated control equipment

Work closely with Design Engineers on new automation and R&D projects

Assist with machine proving, testing and commissioning activities

Support Software Engineers during machine sequencing and commissioning

Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and pneumatic faults

Lead specific machine build projects from assembly through to final handover

Work to project deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality standards

Maintain accurate build documentation and support ERP processes

Promote safe working practices and maintain high housekeeping standards
What you'll need

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

Proven experience building special purpose machinery or factory automation equipment

Strong mechanical assembly and machine fitting experience

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly drawings and GD&T

Experience with electro-mechanical assembly

Electrical wiring, terminating and fault-finding experience

Good understanding of pneumatic systems

Experience with manual workshop machinery including mills, lathes and grinders

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
Desirable

Experience working with PLC-controlled machinery

Knowledge of motion control systems, sensors and vision systems

Machine commissioning and validation experience

Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) knowledge

Root Cause Analysis experience

Experience using ERP systems such as IFS

HNC/HND or Apprenticeship in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
About you

You're an experienced engineer who enjoys taking ownership of complex machine builds and solving technical challenges.

You'll be:

Hands-on and technically capable

Detail-focused with high-quality workmanship

A proactive problem solver

Comfortable working to project deadlines

A collaborative team player

Passionate about automation and engineering innovation
Why join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing engineering business investing heavily in automation, technology and advanced manufacturing.

You'll work on bespoke machinery, collaborate with experienced design and software engineers, and play a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions that support world-class manufacturing.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Additional 3 days off over the festive period

Company bonus scheme

Company pension

Life Assurance (3x salary)

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Ongoing training and career development
Interested?

If you're an experienced Machine Build Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechanical Fitter, Electro-Mechanical Engineer or Commissioning Engineer looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.

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