Manufacturing Engineer – Automation

Automation Engineer – Robotic Welding & Fabrication

North West UK | £60,000–£65,000 | Permanent

 

A well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation with a strong reputation for innovation, quality and operational excellence is expanding its automation capability — and looking for a hands-on Automation Engineer to join the team at its state-of-the-art North West facility.

The business designs and delivers complex engineered products for highly regulated markets, supporting customers across the UK and internationally. This is a genuinely impactful role, sitting at the centre of efforts to keep robotic welding and automated fabrication systems running safely, efficiently and reliably.

 

The Role

• Supporting automation concept development and acting as the technical interface with equipment suppliers

• Assisting with the specification, procurement and implementation of automation solutions

• Supporting installation, commissioning, FAT and SAT activities for new equipment

• Developing and implementing preventative maintenance strategies alongside maintenance teams

• Providing specialist fault-finding support and applying software fixes to minimise production downtime

• Collaborating with system integrators, production teams and engineering functions to resolve process and equipment issues

• Programming, modifying and supporting PLCs and associated control systems

• Identifying and delivering automation improvements within welding and fabrication processes

• Developing, optimising and maintaining robotic welding programmes in collaboration with internal engineering teams

• Using offline programming platforms where appropriate

• Supporting continuous improvement through on-site robot optimisation and new product introduction

• Analysing production performance data and implementing practical process improvements

• Applying Lean Manufacturing and CI methodologies directly on the shop floor

• Supporting and guiding production operators on robot operation, fault recovery and safe working practices

• Maintaining automation documentation, operating procedures and engineering standards

• Ensuring all equipment modifications comply with health, safety and machinery regulations

• Supporting quality and manufacturing standards through robust process control

 

What We’re Looking For

• HND, degree or equivalent in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline

• Proven experience in a manufacturing automation, robotics or production engineering environment

• Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and working with PLC control systems

• Understanding of robotic welding and automated fabrication processes is a strong advantage

• Knowledge of process optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities

• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting ability

• Capable of analysing manufacturing data and translating it into operational improvements

• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and quality improvement principles

• Knowledge of relevant health, safety and machinery compliance requirements

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

• Project management qualifications (PRINCE2, PMP, Agile) are a bonus

• Lean/Six Sigma certification is desirable

 

What’s on Offer

• £60,000–£65,000 salary

• Enhanced pension scheme

• Early finish on Fridays

• Life assurance cover

• Company sick pay scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Long-service awards and additional holiday benefits

• Wellbeing initiatives

• Cycle-to-work scheme

• Free on-site parking and EV charging

• Ongoing training and career development opportunities

 

This is a standout opportunity for an Automation, Robotics, Controls or Mechatronics Engineer who wants to play a central role in the development and optimisation of advanced automated manufacturing systems — within a growing business that’s genuinely investing in its future.

 

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