At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to revolutionise manufacturing with hands-on automation expertise and innovative projects.
- Company: KNDS UK, a leader in military engineering with over 100 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, attractive pension, half-day Fridays, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values your skills and supports your career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automation while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: HND or degree in Engineering, proficiency in robot programming, and Lean Manufacturing experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer.
A little about us: With over a century of engineering expertise and innovation, KNDS UK is a renowned world leader in rapidly deployable military bridging systems and a key partner in the UK MoD's Boxer armoured vehicle programme. We are proud of our heritage and our reputation of providing the highest quality engineering solutions for over 100 years. As a trusted partner to military customers around the world, our employees are the very heart of our company. We have a skilled and experienced workforce dedicated to achieving excellence in all areas of the business from Engineering to Project Management, Business Support to Operations.
As our business evolves, we are looking to strengthen our workforce with talented and motivated individuals across a range of disciplines to work from our Northwest Engineering Centre of Excellence and currently have this opportunity available:
About the role: The primary purpose of this role is to provide hands-on Automation expertise supporting the implementation of automated welding and assembly. Key duties include, but are not limited to:
- Capital equipment and specification
- Identify opportunities for automation within the hull welding (steel/armour) and bridge fabrication (aluminium) lines.
- Draft technical specifications for the procurement of large-scale robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication centres, and automated material handling systems.
- Conduct Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and ROI calculations for new capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects.
- Hands-on Commissioning & Integration
- Lead the physical installation and 'Site Acceptance Testing' (SAT) of new robotic systems.
- Collaborate with maintenance teams to establish robust preventative maintenance schedules for all automated assets.
- Programming & Technical Optimisation
- Develop and refine robot programs for complex geometries, specifically multi-pass heavy plate welding and thick and thin-gauge aluminium joining.
- Utilise Off-Line Programming (OLP) software to minimise production downtime during new product introduction (NPI).
- Troubleshoot PLC logic and HMI interfaces to ensure seamless communication between hardware components.
- Cross-Functional Leadership and Continuous Improvement (CI)
- Analyse production data to identify bottlenecks and cycle time improvements.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce scrap rates in high-value aluminium materials.
- Mentor shop-floor operators on basic robot intervention and safety protocols.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams (including Quality, Production, and Maintenance) to drive collaborative problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
- Develop processes to improve dimensional stability from effective jigging/fixture/alignment.
- Process Governance & Documentation
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation for all automated processes to ensure repeatability and quality assurance.
- Implement robust Risk Management strategies for automated lines, conducting FMEAs (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to pre-empt technical or safety failures.
- Ensure all automated cells strictly adhere to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements, including CE/UKCA marking and PUWER regulations.
- Continuously drive efficiency improvements that reduce the build hours/product.
- Support and lead structured problem solving and process improvement activities.
- Provide design for manufacturing input at early stages in the new product development process.
- Support project management in cross-functional activity required for project execution.
- Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing and quality standards and procedures are adhered to.
What we're looking for: Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
- HND in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics discipline.
- Proficiency in at least one major robot language and experience with PLCs.
- Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics discipline.
- PRINCE2, Agile, PMP or similar project management accreditation.
- Lean certification such as Six Sigma Green or Black Belt would be advantageous.
- Proven experience in a similar role.
- Computer skills (MS Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Lean Manufacturing experience.
- Working within a manufacturing and engineering environment.
- Ability to identify and mitigate technical, schedule and cost risks.
- Understanding of large-scale manufacturing, including advanced techniques, quality control (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing).
- Practical experience of NPI.
- Process planning and optimisation.
- Ability to analyse process data to drive improvements (cycle and tact RFT etc.).
- Practical knowledge of relevant H&SE regulations.
Why you should join us: When you become part of the KNDS UK team, you will enjoy employee benefits such as:
- Competitive salary.
- Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution).
- Half-day Friday.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Company sick pay scheme which increases with service.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Additional Holidays & other Long Service rewards.
- Wellbeing initiatives, such as Free Fruit on Tuesdays.
- Cycle to work Scheme.
- Free on-site car parking.
- On-site electric vehicle charging points.
We're also very proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2018, achieving their Silver Award in 2020 and Gold Award in 2024. We actively support and encourage service leavers, reservists and cadets to join our team, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.
If you are passionate about Automation and eager to contribute to a thriving workplace environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application.
Recruiters please note that we have a list of approved recruitment agency partners in place and we will contact agencies directly should we require support. Any unsolicited CVs received via an agency will be accepted with thanks but without fee.
Manufacturing Automation Engineer in Stockport employer: KNDS Defence UK Limited
At KNDS UK, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the engineering sector, offering a dynamic work environment at our Northwest Engineering Centre of Excellence. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive salary, attractive pension scheme, and unique benefits like half-day Fridays and wellbeing initiatives. We foster a culture of continuous improvement and support professional growth, making us an ideal place for NDT Technicians looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Automation Engineer in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills, especially in automation and manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at KNDS UK and contributing to our innovative projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Automation Engineer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Automation Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, like your proficiency in robot programming or Lean Manufacturing experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation and how your background makes you a great fit for KNDS UK. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires hands-on expertise, be sure to detail your technical skills in your application. Mention any relevant software or tools you've used, like Off-Line Programming software or PLCs, to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KNDS Defence UK Limited
✨Know Your Automation Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation technologies, especially in welding and assembly. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented automation solutions, and how they improved efficiency or quality.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly in manufacturing environments. Highlight your experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and how you've used data analysis to drive improvements.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Regulations
Understand the Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations that apply to automated processes. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects, as this will show your commitment to safety and quality.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively by sharing experiences where you've coordinated with different teams. Discuss how you’ve led or participated in cross-functional problem-solving sessions, as teamwork is key in this role.
