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
✨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 KNDS Defence UK Limited!
✨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 Manufacturing Automation Engineer position at KNDS Defence UK Limited, 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 KNDS Defence UK Limited 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 Manufacturing Automation Engineer role at KNDS Defence UK Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Automation Engineer in Stockport
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 KNDS Defence UK Limited 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 KNDS Defence UK Limited
✨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 KNDS Defence UK Limited.
✨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 KNDS Defence UK Limited, 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.
