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