Manufacturing Engineer Automation

Manufacturing Automation Engineer

North West England | Permanent | Days

A well-established engineering manufacturer in the North West is making significant investment in automation — and this role sits right at the heart of it.

Supplying into the defence sector, the business is actively rolling out robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication centres and automated assembly processes. As Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you'll have direct involvement in shaping how those systems are specified, installed and continuously improved — working across production, quality, maintenance and engineering to get equipment performing reliably on the shop floor.

If you want a role where you can see the tangible impact of your work, this is it.

The Role

• Identifying manual processes suitable for automation and defining requirements for robotic and handling systems

• Supporting CAPEX activity, including cost justification and ROI analysis

• Leading installation and site acceptance testing of new robotic equipment

• Programming and optimising robot paths using offline programming tools

• Troubleshooting PLC and HMI issues as required

• Working with maintenance teams to develop and embed preventative maintenance plans

• Driving improvements to reduce scrap, shorten 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

• Contributing DFM input to NPI activity

• Training operators on safe use, intervention procedures and basic fault finding

• Coordinating activity across production, quality and maintenance teams

What We're Looking For

• HND or degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Mechatronics

• Solid background in an automation-focused manufacturing environment

• Hands-on 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 in medium to large-scale production environments

• Practical experience supporting NPI activity

• Ability to identify and manage technical, cost and delivery risks

• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office

• Project management qualifications or Lean/Six Sigma certification are a bonus — not a requirement

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary

• Enhanced employer pension contribution

• Half-day Fridays

• Life assurance and company sick pay, increasing with length of 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 genuine opportunity to take ownership of an automation programme in a business that's investing for the long term — with the scope, budget and backing to make it happen.

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