At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of automated inspection systems for aviation efficiency.
- Company: MAKO, innovating with shark skin technology to reduce emissions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in aviation while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering and 5+ years experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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) employer: PLP Group
MAKO is an exceptional employer, dedicated to revolutionising the aviation industry with innovative technology that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions. Located in Sydenham, our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and transparency, while offering employees ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a cutting-edge field. Join us to make a meaningful impact on global sustainability and be part of a passionate team committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automation Engineer (Inspection)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people 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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those related to automation and inspection systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching MAKO and its mission. Understand their technology and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their vision of improving aviation efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the MAKO team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automation Engineer (Inspection)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with mechatronic and vision systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in designing automated inspection solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about MAKO's mission and how your background aligns with the role. Be specific about your experience with quality control systems and how you can contribute to our goals.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Include details about your proficiency with CAD tools like SolidWorks and any experience with PLCs. If you've worked on similar projects, share those insights to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at MAKO!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLP Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like machine vision and mechatronic control systems. Brush up on your CAD skills, especially with SolidWorks, and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into your experience with quality control systems and statistical reasoning. Be prepared to explain how you’ve defined tests and validated systems in previous roles, particularly in compliance with QMS and regulatory requirements.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
MAKO is looking for someone proactive and solutions-focused. Think of specific examples where you’ve tackled challenges in designing inspection rigs or selecting components. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you collaborated with teams to achieve results.
✨Align with MAKO's Mission
Familiarise yourself with MAKO’s mission to improve aviation efficiency and reduce emissions. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially in terms of innovation and sustainability.
