Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Stockport
2 weeks ago
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Winsearch is supporting a leading advanced manufacturing organisation in the search for an experienced Automation Engineer to support the development and implementation of automated welding and assembly processes within a complex engineering environment.

This role will focus on introducing and optimising large-scale automation systems including robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication equipment and automated material handling systems. The successful candidate will work closely with production, engineering and maintenance teams to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality and repeatability across key fabrication programmes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with automation strategy, process improvement and capital equipment implementation.

The Role

The Automation Engineer will play a key role in identifying automation opportunities, delivering capital equipment projects and supporting the commissioning and optimisation of robotic manufacturing systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to improve production efficiency, reduce waste and ensure automated systems meet the required safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Strategy & Capital Equipment

Identify opportunities for automation across fabrication and welding processes

Develop technical specifications for robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication equipment and automated handling systems

Support capital equipment procurement activities

Carry out cost-benefit analysis and ROI calculations for automation investment projects

Commissioning & Integration

Lead installation and site acceptance testing of new robotic systems

Work closely with maintenance teams to develop preventative maintenance plans for automated equipment

Support the integration of automation systems into existing production environments

Programming & Technical Optimisation

Develop and optimise robot programs for complex welding applications

Utilise offline programming tools to reduce production downtime during new product introduction

Troubleshoot PLC logic and HMI interfaces to ensure reliable system communication

Continuous Improvement & Production Support

Analyse production data to identify opportunities to improve cycle times and efficiency

Apply Lean manufacturing principles to reduce scrap and improve process capability

Support operators with training around robot operation, intervention and safety protocols

Coordinate cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing issues using structured problem solving

Process Development & Governance

Develop and maintain SOPs and technical documentation for automated processes

Conduct risk assessments and FMEA activities to ensure system reliability and safety

Ensure automated systems comply with CE / UKCA requirements and PUWER regulations

Support early-stage product development through design-for-manufacture input

Requirements

Degree or HND in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or similar discipline

Proven experience working in an automation or robotics engineering role within manufacturing

Experience programming industrial robots and working with PLC control systems

Experience delivering automation or capital equipment projects within production environments

Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and process optimisation techniques

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and drive improvements

Experience working within engineering or manufacturing environments

Good understanding of health, safety and regulatory requirements within industrial automation

Desirable

Project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP or Agile

Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification

Experience supporting new product introduction activities

Knowledge of large-scale automated manufacturing systems

What’s on Offer

Competitive salary depending on experience

Opportunity to work on large-scale automation projects within a complex engineering environment

Long-term career development opportunities

Involvement in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and continuous improvement initiatives

INDWIN

Our clients and their customers come from diverse backgrounds and so do we. We hire our people from various walks of life, each of whom make our company stronger with their talent, uniqueness, and expertise. This is what makes our company special; if you want to help us grow and take this ethos to our clients, then we cannot wait to collaborate with you!

The UK has now left the European Union. Any EU, EEA or Swiss citizens living in the UK that wish to remain in the UK post Brexit need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Although the closing date for applications was 30th Jun 2021, if you have not yet applied but believe that you would qualify under the EU Settlement Scheme, the Home Office have confirmed that they will consider late applications. For further information please see (url removed) />

Many Thanks

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