Senior Machine Build Engineer

Are you an experienced Machine Build Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechanical Fitter or Electro-Mechanical Engineer looking for your next challenge?

Do you enjoy building bespoke automation equipment from the ground up, working closely with design engineers and seeing your work progress from concept through to commissioning?

We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Senior Machine Build Engineer to join their Automation team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design, build and commissioning of bespoke automated manufacturing equipment that supports cutting-edge production technology.

What's the role all about?

As a Senior Machine Build Engineer, you'll take a leading role in building and commissioning special purpose automation machinery used within a high-tech manufacturing environment.

Working alongside Mechanical, Electrical, Controls and Software Engineers, you'll build complex automated systems from engineering drawings, assist with machine development and play a key role in machine proving and commissioning before release into production.

This is a varied, hands-on engineering role where no two projects are the same.

Key responsibilities

• Build bespoke automation and special purpose machinery from engineering drawings
• Assemble complex mechanical sub-assemblies to high precision standards
• Carry out electrical cabinet wiring, machine hard wiring and electrical testing
• Install and configure pneumatic systems and associated control equipment
• Work closely with Design Engineers on new automation and R&D projects
• Assist with machine proving, testing and commissioning activities
• Support Software Engineers during machine sequencing and commissioning
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and pneumatic faults
• Lead specific machine build projects from assembly through to final handover
• Work to project deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality standards
• Maintain accurate build documentation and support ERP processes
• Promote safe working practices and maintain high housekeeping standards

What you'll need

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Proven experience building special purpose machinery or factory automation equipment
• Strong mechanical assembly and machine fitting experience
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly drawings and GD&T
• Experience with electro-mechanical assembly
• Electrical wiring, terminating and fault-finding experience
• Good understanding of pneumatic systems
• Experience with manual workshop machinery including mills, lathes and grinders
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team

Desirable

• Experience working with PLC-controlled machinery
• Knowledge of motion control systems, sensors and vision systems
• Machine commissioning and validation experience
• Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) knowledge
• Root Cause Analysis experience
• Experience using ERP systems such as IFS
• HNC/HND or Apprenticeship in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

About you

You're an experienced engineer who enjoys taking ownership of complex machine builds and solving technical challenges.

You'll be:

• Hands-on and technically capable
• Detail-focused with high-quality workmanship
• A proactive problem solver
• Comfortable working to project deadlines
• A collaborative team player
• Passionate about automation and engineering innovation

Why join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing engineering business investing heavily in automation, technology and advanced manufacturing.

You'll work on bespoke machinery, collaborate with experienced design and software engineers, and play a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions that support world-class manufacturing.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional 3 days off over the festive period
• Company bonus scheme
• Company pension
• Life Assurance (3x salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Ongoing training and career development

Interested?

If you're an experienced Machine Build Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechanical Fitter, Electro-Mechanical Engineer or Commissioning Engineer looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.

Kingdom People are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.