At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and commission bespoke automation machinery in a high-tech environment.
- Company: Join a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, bonus scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in automation and work on innovative projects with a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in building special purpose machinery and strong mechanical assembly skills.
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.
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
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
- 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
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
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
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.
Senior Machine Build Engineer in Portsmouth employer: Kingdom People
At Kingdom People, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As an Engineering Manager in our dynamic team, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a significant impact on cutting-edge high-voltage electronics projects. Our commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment makes us a standout choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Machine Build Engineer in Portsmouth
✨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 Kingdom People!
✨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 Senior Machine Build Engineer position at Kingdom People, 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 Kingdom People 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 Senior Machine Build Engineer role at Kingdom People!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Machine Build Engineer in Portsmouth
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 Kingdom People 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 Kingdom People
✨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 Kingdom People.
✨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 Kingdom People, 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.
