Manufacturing Engineer Automation

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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