Manufacturing Engineer Automation

Manufacturing Automation Engineer

North West | Permanent | Days

A long‑established engineering company with more than a century of innovation is looking for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to support the introduction of automated welding and assembly across its North West site. The business supplies high‑quality engineered solutions to defence customers worldwide and employs specialists across Engineering, Operations, Project Management and Business Support.

About the role

You’ll provide hands‑on automation expertise across steel/armour hull welding and aluminium bridge fabrication lines. This includes identifying processes suitable for automation, defining technical requirements, and specifying capital equipment such as robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication centres and automated handling systems.

You’ll support CAPEX activity through business case analysis (CBA and ROI), lead installation and Site Acceptance Testing for new robotic systems, and work closely with Maintenance to put preventative maintenance schedules in place.

The role also involves programming and optimising robot paths for complex geometries, using Off‑Line Programming tools to reduce downtime during NPI, and troubleshooting PLC logic and HMI interfaces. You’ll drive continuous improvement using Lean tools and process data, reduce scrap, mentor operators in robot safety and intervention, and coordinate with colleagues in Quality, Production and Maintenance.

You’ll develop processes that improve dimensional accuracy, design and refine jigs/fixtures, create SOPs and technical documentation, and lead risk management activities including FMEAs for automated lines. Ensuring compliance with EHS standards (CE/UKCA, PUWER) and meeting manufacturing and quality requirements is central to the role. You’ll also support NPI with Design for Manufacture input and contribute to cross‑functional project delivery.

What we’re looking for

HND or degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics

Proven experience in an automation‑focused manufacturing role

Proficiency in at least one major robot language, plus experience with PLCs and HMIs

Background in Lean Manufacturing, process planning, optimisation and using data (cycle time, takt, RFT)

Good understanding of large‑scale manufacturing, quality tools (Six Sigma/Lean) and practical NPI experience

Ability to identify technical, cost and schedule risks and knowledge of relevant HSE regulations

Project management accreditation (PRINCE2, Agile, PMP) and Lean/Six Sigma certification beneficial

Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office

Benefits

You’ll receive a competitive salary, an attractive pension scheme, life assurance, and a company sick‑pay scheme that increases with service. The site offers a half‑day Friday, free on‑site parking and EV charging, cycle‑to‑work, wellbeing initiatives (including free fruit), additional holidays and long‑service rewards. An Employee Assistance Programme provides further support.

The organisation is a Gold‑level signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcomes applications from service leavers, reservists and cadet force volunteers. If you’re passionate about automation and want to contribute to a modern, evolving manufacturing environment, we’d like to hear from you.

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