At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of automated inspection systems for aviation efficiency.
- Company: MAKO, innovating aviation with eco-friendly technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a mission to reduce aviation emissions and save billions in fuel costs.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
MAKO is putting 'shark skin' on planes to save fuel and reduce emissions.
Your Mission
MAKO's mission is to improve the efficiency of the global aviation fleet, saving billions of dollars in fuel and megatonnes of CO2 every year. We are hiring a Senior Automation Engineer (Inspection) to own our automated inline vision and characterisation systems - from measurement strategy and technology selection through to rig design, integration, and validation. You will report to the Manufacturing Systems Team Lead.
What You Will Do
- Lead the development of inspection and characterisation systems end-to-end, translating product specification requirements into robust, repeatable automated inspection solutions.
- Design and deliver inline inspection rigs integrating machine vision, optical sensing, and mechatronic control systems, generating the bill of materials and design files needed to meet our Quality Management System and regulatory requirements.
- Drive the selection and validation of sensing technologies capable of surface and geometry inspection of microtextured film at production line speed, ensuring these technologies can be implemented within our current control system framework.
- Define and review tests and experiments to verify and validate quality control system performance using statistical reasoning, and develop processes to guide these activities. You will use MSA / Gauge R&R to ensure inspection data is statistically defensible - particularly for aerospace customers and certification bodies.
- Develop machine vision solutions for surface characterisation across production runs, moving beyond threshold-based pass/fail to robust defect-type identification.
- Collaborate with MAKO engineers and review engineering documents.
What Success Looks Like
- First month: You will be introduced to our manufacturing processes, equipment, and product requirements. You will assess the current quality control landscape and begin defining measurement requirements for the automated inspection system.
- First six months: You will have selected and validated key sensing and mechatronic components for the inline inspection rig, proven against the manufacturing criteria required for scale production. Measurement system capability will be established and documented.
- First year: You will have completed the design, build, integration, and handover of our core automated inline inspection system. Automated Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) will be operational on the scale manufacturing line, replacing manual inspection and verifiably meeting all critical riblet specifications on every roll.
About You
- Degree in a relevant discipline (Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering).
- 5+ years of work experience in a similar or relevant field.
- Outstanding record of designing mechatronic and/or vision systems, familiar with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and control systems such as PLCs (Beckhoff preferable).
- Experience developing quality control systems compliant with company QMS and regulatory authority requirements (desirable).
- High attention to detail, particularly for component selection, and able to liaise with suppliers for bespoke systems.
- Hands-on, proactive, and solutions-focused, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Why You Should Join MAKO
- Impact: Aviation is one of the hardest-to-abate industries, and its share of global emissions is only growing. Join our mission to improve the efficiency of the global fleet and save megatonnes of CO2 every year.
- Technology: Our technology leverages the drag-reducing properties of shark skin to make aircraft more efficient. You'll be exposed to expertise and developments in materials, photolithography, fluid dynamics, and scale manufacturing.
- Team: Our team is focused on achieving our mission. We live our values of lift over drag, active transparency, and changing the boundary conditions, and we welcome new team members who want to do the same.
- Corporate jet: We have (most of) a corporate jet. It won't fly, but it sure does look cool.
Join a team that is working to improve the efficiency of the global aviation fleet, and build a future where a new surface replaces the need for a new aircraft.
Senior Automation Engineer (Inspection) in London employer: PLP Group
MAKO is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the aviation industry's sustainability efforts while working in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will be part of a team dedicated to pioneering cutting-edge technology that reduces emissions and enhances efficiency. Located in Sydenham, MAKO fosters a culture of transparency and teamwork, ensuring that every member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automation Engineer (Inspection) in London
✨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 PLP Group!
✨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 Automation Engineer (Inspection) position at PLP Group, 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 PLP Group 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 Automation Engineer (Inspection) role at PLP Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automation Engineer (Inspection) in London
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 PLP Group 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 PLP Group
✨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 PLP Group.
✨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 PLP Group, 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.
