Manufacturing Automation Engineer
North West England | Permanent | Days
A long‑established engineering manufacturer in the North West is looking to recruit a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to support the rollout of automated welding and assembly processes.
The business supplies into the defence sector and is investing heavily in automation and modern manufacturing equipment. This role sits at the centre of that programme, with direct involvement in how new automated systems are specified, installed and improved.
The role
You’ll identify and deliver automation projects across fabrication and assembly, working closely with production, quality, maintenance and engineering teams. The position is hands‑on and focused on getting equipment running reliably on the shop floor.
Key responsibilities include:
Identifying manual processes suitable for automation and defining requirements for robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication centres and handling systems
Supporting CAPEX activity, including cost justification and ROI analysis
Leading installation and site acceptance of new robotic equipment
Programming and optimising robot paths using offline programming tools
Troubleshooting PLC and HMI issues where required
Working with maintenance teams to establish preventative maintenance plans
Driving improvements to reduce scrap, improve cycle times and increase throughput
Designing and improving jigs and fixtures to support repeatability and accuracy
Creating SOPs and supporting FMEAs for automated processes
Ensuring compliance with CE/UKCA, PUWER and wider HSE requirements
Supporting NPI activity with Design for Manufacture input
Training operators on safe use, intervention and basic fault finding
Coordinating activity across production, quality and maintenance
What you’ll need
HND or degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Mechatronics
Background in an automation‑focused manufacturing role
Experience with industrial robotics and at least one robot programming language
Working knowledge of PLCs and HMIs
Experience of lean manufacturing and process improvement
Background working in medium to large‑scale production environments
Practical experience supporting NPI activity
Ability to identify technical, cost and delivery risks
Good general IT skills, including Microsoft Office
Project management qualifications or Lean / Six Sigma certification are beneficial but not essential.
What’s on offer
Competitive salary
Enhanced employer pension contribution
Half‑day Fridays
Life assurance and company sick pay, increasing with service
Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
Additional holiday and long‑service rewards
Cycle‑to‑work scheme
Free on‑site parking and EV charging
This is a permanent opportunity with a defence manufacturer that is actively modernising its production capability, offering a chance to play a key role in automation projects across the site.
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