Automation Engineer (Manufacturing)

Manufacturing Engineer – Automation

Location: Southam, Warwickshire
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Manufacturing Engineer - Automation to support the development, optimisation and maintenance of automated manufacturing systems across our production operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving efficiency, reliability and quality through the application of robotics, automation technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme, commission, troubleshoot and optimise KUKA industrial robots within automated manufacturing environments.
• Develop and maintain robot programmes using KUKA Robot Language (KRL).
• Configure and support robot systems using KUKA.WorkVisual, including I/O configuration, calibration, commissioning and fault diagnosis.
• Support the integration of robots with conveyor systems, sensors, machine vision systems, safety controls and ancillary production equipment.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including EtherNet/IP and other industrial I/O systems.
• Support and maintain automation equipment including Keyence sensors, vision systems, barcode readers and measurement devices.
• Diagnose and resolve production issues relating to robotics, automated machinery, control systems and manufacturing processes.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance production performance, quality and operational efficiency.
• Assist in the design, implementation and commissioning of new automated production equipment.
• Support the operation, programming, commissioning and maintenance of CNC waterjet cutting equipment, including multi-axis systems.
• Develop and optimise CAD/CAM programmes for waterjet manufacturing applications, including toolpath generation, simulation, collision checking and programme optimisation.
• Ensure all automation systems operate in compliance with machine safety standards and company health and safety requirements.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Practical experience programming and troubleshooting KUKA industrial robots, preferably using KRL.
• Strong knowledge of KUKA.WorkVisual, robot commissioning, calibration, fault diagnosis and I/O configuration.
• Experience integrating robots with conveyors, sensors, machine vision systems, safety systems and other automation equipment.
• Experience working with EtherNet/IP and industrial communication networks.
• Experience configuring, programming or supporting Keyence sensors, vision systems, barcode readers and measurement equipment.
• Good understanding of industrial automation, machine safety, electrical control systems and automated production fault finding.
• Experience operating, programming, commissioning or maintaining CNC waterjet cutting systems, ideally including five-axis or 3D cutting applications.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM programming for multi-axis cutting systems, including: Toolpath creation, Post-processing, Simulation, Collision checking
• Programme optimisation
• Strong problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional engineering team.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Java and KUKA Sunrise Workbench for Sunrise-based KUKA robotic systems.
• Experience with SQL, Python, VBA, PowerShell or Pascal.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing or automated production environment.
• Understanding of Industry 4.0 technologies, data collection and manufacturing system integration.

Qualifications

• Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or a related discipline.
• Relevant robotics, automation or controls certifications would be advantageous.