Engineer the Quantum RevolutionYour expertise can help us shape the future of quantum computing at Oxford Ionics.

View Open Roles

Graduate Factory Automation Engineer

Staveley
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Lead Engineer

Graduate / Junior Data & AI Analyst

Graduate Mechatronics Engineer

Graduate/ Junior Applications Engineer

Graduate Software Engineer

Graduate Structural Engineer

LOCATION: Corby, Chesterfield or Manchester

Kick-start your career within Automation Engineering!

Are you a graduate Automation Engineer Graduate ready to apply your skills in a supportive environment offering career progression without previous industry experience?

AVK Group, a global leader in high-quality valves and hydrants for water, wastewater, gas, and fire protection. We are seeking a passionate Automation Graduate to join our team.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role focuses on supporting the development, implementation and maintenance of automation solutions that enhance production efficiency, improve quality, and align with AVK’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:



Assist in the creation and design of automated systems tailored to AVK’s production processes

*

Working with robotics, PLCs and other industrial control systems to optimise manufacturing workflows

*

Analysing existing manufacturing processes to identify automation opportunities that align with AVK’s quality and efficiency standards.

*

Provide support for diagnosing and resolving technical issues in automated systems

*

Supporting the Engineering Manager in day-to-day duties across our three manufacturing sites in Corby, Chesterfield and Hyde.

WHAT WE OFFER:

*

A supportive early careers programme with quarterly check-ins, annual appraisals with your direct leader, as well as check-ins with an Early Careers mentor to support your journey.

*

Externally recognised development such as Insights Discovery profile reviews to define your learning style as well as role specific funded training.

*

The opportunity to be a Graduate representative for our charity partner– Aquabox

*

Participation in an International LEAN training programme with the opportunity to travel to sites across Europe including France, Spain and Denmark over a 6-month period.

*

Access to a “technical guru”, a professional in your field from across one of the four businesses who can provide you with up-to-date industry insight.

*

Leadership and individual development training such as: Project Management, Decision Making, Presentation Skills, Communication and others.

*

Part of the AVK Graduate Community 2025/26.

*

33 days holiday (including statutory Public Holidays).

*

Life Assurance plan (x3).

*

Company pension plan.

ABOUT YOU:

*

You will be on track to be awarded a degree within Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or related field.

*

Basic experience with PLC programming (e.g Siemens S7, Allen Bradley)

*

Understanding of CAD and simulation software for process design

*

Due to travelling across sites within the UK, you must hold a valid UK driving license.

ABOUT AVK IN THE UK:

AVK in the UK products and solutions are essential to vital infrastructures that minimise water loss, improve sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for people everywhere. Every day. And for over half a century and counting, we’ve raised the bar for what our customers can expect.

We are looking for ambitious, driven graduates to join our team and play a key role in our continued success. As part of our graduate program, you'll gain hands-on experience, work alongside industry experts, and develop the expertise needed to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving sector. Whether your passion lies in engineering, supply chain, finance, or marketing, we offer exciting opportunities to help you build your future.

Ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career? Join us and be part of something bigger!

Please note applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application, as this graduate role is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Seasonal Hiring Peaks for Robotics Jobs: The Best Months to Apply & Why

The UK's robotics sector has established itself as one of Europe's most innovative and rapidly expanding technology markets, with roles spanning from junior automation engineers to principal robotics scientists and heads of robotics development. With robotics positions commanding salaries from £32,000 for graduate robotics engineers to £100,000+ for senior principal engineers, understanding when organisations actively recruit can dramatically accelerate your career progression in this transformative and continuously evolving field. Unlike traditional engineering roles, robotics hiring follows distinct patterns influenced by manufacturing cycles, government automation incentives, and robotics deployment timelines. The sector's unique combination of mechanical engineering, software development, and artificial intelligence creates predictable hiring windows that strategic professionals can leverage to advance their careers in building tomorrow's automated systems. This comprehensive guide explores the optimal timing for robotics job applications in the UK, examining how national automation strategies, manufacturing cycles, and robotics technology initiatives influence recruitment patterns, and why strategic timing can determine whether you join a pioneering robotics development team or miss the opportunity to develop the next generation of autonomous systems and intelligent automation.

Pre-Employment Checks for Robotics Jobs: DBS, References & Right-to-Work and more Explained

The robotics industry represents one of the most dynamic and transformative sectors in modern technology, with robotics professionals playing crucial roles in advancing automation capabilities, developing intelligent systems, and reshaping manufacturing, healthcare, service industries, and defence applications. As robotics evolves from industrial automation to autonomous systems and human-robot collaboration, pre-employment screening processes have become increasingly sophisticated and multifaceted. Robotics careers span diverse environments from manufacturing facilities and aerospace companies to healthcare robotics providers, autonomous vehicle developers, and emerging service robotics startups. Each sector brings unique screening requirements reflecting the safety-critical nature of robotic systems, the interdisciplinary complexity of robotics development, and the critical importance of maintaining both operational safety and system reliability standards. Understanding robotics pre-employment screening helps professionals navigate career opportunities effectively whilst enabling employers to identify candidates capable of contributing to robotics innovation whilst maintaining appropriate safety standards, regulatory compliance, and technical excellence. The screening processes examine not only technical robotics competencies but also safety awareness, system integration capabilities, and ability to work effectively across the multidisciplinary robotics ecosystem. This comprehensive guide examines the full spectrum of pre-employment screening practices across robotics careers, from basic right-to-work verification through enhanced safety clearance processes, technical competency assessment, and industry-specific requirements. Whether pursuing opportunities in industrial automation, autonomous systems development, medical robotics, or robotics research leadership, understanding these screening processes enables robotics professionals to prepare effectively and advance their careers successfully. The robotics sector's unique combination of mechanical engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and human-machine interaction creates screening requirements that reflect both the technical demands of robotics innovation and the safety considerations of human-robot collaboration. These processes ultimately support the continued advancement of robotics by ensuring high professional standards and technical competence necessary for safe robotics deployment and responsible robotics technology development.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Launch Your Career in Robotics: The UK's Autonomous Systems Revolution

The United Kingdom stands at the epicentre of a robotics revolution that's fundamentally transforming how we manufacture products, deliver services, and interact with technology in our daily lives. From the autonomous delivery robots navigating London's streets to the surgical robots advancing precision medicine in Birmingham hospitals, Britain's leadership in robotics innovation has created an unprecedented demand for skilled robotics professionals that dramatically exceeds the current talent supply. If you've been seeking a career that combines cutting-edge engineering with tangible real-world impact or looking to position yourself in one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding sectors of the modern economy, robotics represents an extraordinary opportunity. The convergence of artificial intelligence advancement, sensor technology maturation, manufacturing automation acceleration, and service robotics adoption has created perfect conditions for robotics career success.