Mechatronics Engineer - Manufacturing & AutomationLocation: Manchester (Fully On-Site)Team: 15 Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, CI, Quality, Technicians)Business Size: Over 275 employees
About the Company
A leading global manufacturer specialising in electromechanical systems, automation, and precision engineered products. The Manchester site is the company's largest UK engineering hub, offering daily collaboration with highly skilled engineers across multiple disciplines. The organisation is known for continuous innovation, complex engineering challenges, and a culture where learning, curiosity, and adaptability are valued.
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on, design-focused Mechatronics Engineering role ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working across multiple engineering domains, and taking products from cradle to grave. The role is challenging and exciting - and here's why:A senior engineer recently retired after 20+ years, leaving behind a nearly complete machine with no documentation. One of your first of many major projects will be to reverse engineer the system, understand how it works, and complete the design. An engineer who loves a complex challenge will find this the perfect environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead mechanical design using SolidWorks and AutoCAD
* Reverse engineer a machine and complete its development
* Design, develop, and optimise systems involving sensors, actuators, motors, and embedded components
* Contribute to PLC programming (Allen-Bradley) and automation development
* Support manufacturing teams with troubleshooting, improvements, and root-cause analysis
* Work closely with electrical, firmware, mechanical, and quality engineers
* Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the engineering function
* Produce technical documentation, drawings, and design specifications
* Support prototype builds, testing, and validation
* Engage in a fast-moving environment where priorities and challenges evolve daily
What Makes This Role Unique
* A rare chance to reverse engineer a complex electromechanical system from scratch
* Exposure to high-level automation, robotics, and PLC-driven machinery
* Daily collaboration with highly intelligent, multidisciplinary engineers
* A culture that encourages learning, experimentation, and adaptability
* Full lifecycle ownership - from concept to production
* A stable, global business with strong engineering heritage
Desired Skills & Experience
* Strong mechanical design capability - this is the deal-breaker
* Highly proficient in SolidWorks and AutoCAD
* Experience with PLC / automation systems (Allen-Bradley preferred)
* Background in electromechanical design, robotics, or automation
* Familiarity with Python and basic C
* Experience taking products from concept through to manufacture
* Ability to work in a fast-changing environment
* Strong problem-solving and reverse-engineering mindset
Desirable Backgrounds - Candidates may come from:
* Mechatronics
* Mechanical engineering
* Electrical engineering
* Robotics
* Automation engineering
* Electromechanical product development
Working Environment
* Fully on-site role
* Fast-paced first 3 months with constant change, candidates must enjoy this
* Supportive team of 13 engineers with deep technical knowledge
This role gives you the chance to step into a high-impact engineering position with a very competitive salary, that will only ever increase. You'll work at the company's largest UK engineering site, surrounded by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. You'll take ownership of a rare reverse-engineering challenge with real technical autonomy. If you want fast learning, constant variety and visible impact, this role delivers it.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk