At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement automation systems to boost production efficiency and quality.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing firm focused on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, health perks, flexible working, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in manufacturing with cutting-edge technology and automation.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and 3 years of automation experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35806 - 43762 £ per year.
The Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all automation systems within an injection moulding manufacturing and assembly environment. The role focuses on improving production efficiency, quality, safety, and equipment reliability through the effective use of robotics, PLC controls, vision systems, and automated assembly technologies. Working closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Tooling and Maintenance, the Automation Engineer will lead automation projects, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and support the introduction of new technologies that enhance operational performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
Key Responsibilities
- Automation & Process Development
- Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing solutions for injection moulding and secondary assembly processes.
- Support integration of robotic systems, conveyors, automated inspection equipment, and material handling systems.
- Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation and productivity improvements.
- Lead automation projects from concept through validation and production release.
- Production Support
- Provide technical support for automated production equipment.
- Troubleshoot and resolve automation, controls, and robotics-related issues to minimise downtime.
- Support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for recurring equipment failures.
- Develop preventative maintenance strategies for automation equipment.
- Ensure manufacturing processes achieve required cycle times, quality standards, and productivity targets.
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Develop automated solutions to support new tooling, assembly, and inspection requirements.
- Participate in Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) reviews.
- Assist with process validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ where applicable.
- Continuous Improvement
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE, scrap reduction, cycle time reduction, and labour efficiency.
- Utilise Lean Manufacturing methodologies to improve operational performance.
- Implement and utilise data collection and monitoring systems to support performance analysis and decision-making.
- Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant machinery safety standards and company policies.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement safeguarding measures for automated equipment.
- Support compliance with quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 where applicable.
- Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including electrical drawings, specifications, and validation records.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Degree or HNC/HND or Apprenticeship in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 3 years' experience in an automation engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working with injection moulding processes and associated automation systems.
- Strong knowledge of PLC programming and industrial control systems.
- Experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g. FANUC).
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Understanding of validation requirements (IQ/OQ/PQ).
Desirable
- Lean Six Sigma qualification.
- Project management experience.
- Solidworks experience (CAD).
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Project leadership and organisation skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
- Results-driven with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing safety requirements.
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills.
Automation Engineer in Surrey employer: Azenta Life Sciences
As a Health, Safety, Environmental and Facilities Specialist, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities to enhance your skills in health and safety management. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact the safety standards and environmental practices of our organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Surrey
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Azenta Life Sciences!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Engineer position at Azenta Life Sciences, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Azenta Life Sciences is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Engineer role at Azenta Life Sciences!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Azenta Life Sciences and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Azenta Life Sciences
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Azenta Life Sciences.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Azenta Life Sciences, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
