At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to optimise advanced automated processes in manufacturing and engineering.
- Company: Established UK engineering firm with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, early finishes, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics; automation experience required.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.
We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to join a well-established UK engineering and manufacturing organisation operating from a North West Engineering Centre of Excellence. The business has a long-standing heritage in delivering complex, high-integrity engineered products and is recognised for its investment in people, technology and continuous improvement. With ongoing growth and modernisation across manufacturing operations, this role offers the opportunity to play a key part in the introduction and optimisation of advanced automated processes.
About the Role
The primary purpose of the role is to provide hands-on automation expertise, supporting the implementation of automated welding and assembly solutions across heavy fabrication and precision manufacturing environments.
Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Capital Equipment & Specification
- Identify opportunities for automation within steel/armour welding and aluminium fabrication processes.
- Develop technical specifications for large-scale robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication centres and automated material handling systems.
- Carry out cost-benefit analysis and ROI evaluations for CAPEX investment projects.
- Commissioning & Integration
- Lead installation activities and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for new robotic and automated systems.
- Work closely with maintenance teams to establish preventative maintenance strategies for automated assets.
- Programming & Technical Optimisation
- Develop and optimise robot programs for complex geometries, including multi-pass heavy plate welding and mixed-gauge aluminium joining.
- Use Off-Line Programming (OLP) software to minimise downtime during new product introduction (NPI).
- Troubleshoot PLC logic and HMI interfaces to ensure effective system integration.
- Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Working
- Analyse production data to identify bottlenecks, cycle time reductions and efficiency improvements.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce scrap, particularly in high-value aluminium processes.
- Support, mentor and train shop-floor personnel on basic robot intervention and safety procedures.
- Coordinate with Quality, Production and Maintenance teams to support structured problem solving and root-cause analysis.
- Process Governance & Documentation
- Develop SOPs and technical documentation to ensure repeatability, safety and quality.
- Carry out FMEA and risk assessments on automated processes.
- Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety requirements, including CE/UKCA marking and PUWER regulations.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Improving dimensional stability through effective jig, fixture and alignment solutions
- Driving reductions in build hours per product
- Providing Design for Manufacturing (DfM) input at early product development stages
- Supporting cross-functional project execution activities
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics
- Proven experience in a similar automation-focused manufacturing role
- Proficiency in at least one major industrial robot language and experience with PLCs
- Strong understanding of large-scale manufacturing environments
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques
- Practical involvement in NPI and process optimisation
- Ability to analyse process data (cycle time, takt, RFT, etc.)
- Sound knowledge of relevant Health & Safety regulations
- Strong IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Desirable:
- Project management accreditation (PRINCE2, Agile, PMP or similar)
- Lean certification (Six Sigma Green or Black Belt)
Whatβs on Offer
- Competitive salary
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Early finish on Fridays
- Life assurance
- Company sick pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Additional holiday entitlement linked to service
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free on-site parking and EV charging
This is an excellent opportunity for an Automation Engineer looking to make a tangible impact within a technically challenging, well-invested manufacturing environment.
Manufacturing Engineer Automation in Stockport employer: Recruit Engineering
Contact Detail:
Recruit Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer Automation in Stockport
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your automation projects and achievements. This will give you an edge during interviews and show employers what you can bring to the table.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of a Manufacturing Automation Engineer.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer Automation in Stockport
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in automation, programming, and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
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 skills can contribute to our team's success. Be sure to mention any experience with Lean Manufacturing principles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Donβt forget to showcase your technical skills, especially your proficiency in industrial robot languages and PLCs. Mention any specific software or tools youβve used that are relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit Engineering
β¨Know Your Automation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation technologies, especially in welding and assembly processes. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, showcasing your hands-on experience with robotic systems and PLCs.
β¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly around process optimisation and efficiency improvements. Use data to back up your claims, like cycle time reductions or successful NPI implementations.
β¨Understand Lean Manufacturing Principles
Since this role involves applying Lean techniques, be prepared to discuss how you've used these principles in past projects. Highlight any certifications you have, like Six Sigma, and share specific instances where you reduced waste or improved quality.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, donβt shy away from asking questions about the companyβs current automation projects or their approach to continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if itβs the right fit for you.