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- Tasks: Design and implement an automated production line for innovative post-moulding processes.
- Company: Join Heyside Plastics, a family-run business leading in recycled PVC manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal development budget, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career while making a real impact on sustainability and efficiency.
- Qualifications: MSc or MPhil in Robotics or related fields; experience in robotic systems is a plus.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth potential and mentorship from industry experts.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Robotics & Automation Engineer graduate to fast‑track their career development as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate. The successful candidate will undertake a 36‑month collaborative project between Heyside Plastics and the University of Salford. The project’s aim is to develop an integrated and automated production line that automates post‑moulding processes, painting, cooling, stemming, and sorting at Heyside Plastics, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving worker safety.
Founded in 2011, Heyside Plastics is a family‑run manufacturing business specialising in recycled PVC products through injection and compression moulding. Its core revenue‑generating activities include the manufacture and B2B sale of traffic management items made from recycled PVC sourced from electrical and flooring waste, with the company processing hundreds of tonnes per week of landfill‑bound material. The business currently recycles a significant portion of the UK’s plasticised PVC market.
The position will be based at the company premises in Oldham, OL2, but the successful candidate should be able to travel to the University of Salford for meetings on a regular basis. The role will offer experience engaging with colleagues and stakeholders across the entire organisation and beyond, providing wide‑ranging knowledge and experience. This post is a dynamic role that will address downstream automation to unlock further growth.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme is one of the UK's largest graduate recruitment schemes and is a three‑way collaborative project between the Associate, Heyside Plastics and the University of Salford. It provides an opportunity to manage a challenging project central to the company’s strategic development and long‑term growth.
Responsibilities- Design and implement a bespoke automated production line to automate complex post‑moulding processes, painting, cooling, stemming, and sorting, requiring advanced knowledge of robotics, control systems, and vision‑based automation.
- Lead a strategically important innovation project within a fast‑paced SME, managing resources and project timelines.
- Navigate cultural and operational change, helping to shift the business from manual to digital processes.
- Graduate with a minimum MSc or MPhil in Robotics, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, or a related discipline, and a postgraduate qualification (MSc/MRes) in Robotics, Automation, and Computer Vision. A PhD is highly desirable but not essential.
- Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing robotic systems, ideally in industrial or manufacturing settings.
To facilitate professional development, the successful candidate will receive extensive practical and formal training, gain highly desirable specialist business skills, broaden knowledge and expertise within an industrially relevant project, and gain valuable experience from industry and academic mentors. The KTP Associate will also receive a Personal Development Budget of £6,000 (over and above their salary).
Employment Details- Location: Oldham (OL2) with regular travel to Salford.
- Contract: Fixed‑term 36 months.
- Salary: £35,000 to £40,000 per annum.
Robotics & Automation Engineer in Salford employer: The University Of Salford
Contact Detail:
The University Of Salford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Robotics & Automation Engineer in Salford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the robotics and automation field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with robotics and automation. Bring examples of projects you've worked on or problems you've solved. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before any interview or networking opportunity, do your homework on the company and the role. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute. We’re all about making connections that matter, so show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Robotics & Automation Engineer in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Robotics & Automation Engineer role. Highlight relevant projects, skills, and experiences that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits into our exciting KTP project!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about robotics and automation, and how you can contribute to our mission at Heyside Plastics. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills in your application. Mention any experience with robotics, control systems, or vision-based automation. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University Of Salford
✨Know Your Robotics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of robotics, control systems, and vision-based automation. Be ready to discuss specific projects or experiences where you've designed or implemented robotic systems, especially in manufacturing settings. This will show that you’re not just a graduate but someone who can hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Company and Its Goals
Do your homework on Heyside Plastics and their mission to recycle PVC products. Familiarise yourself with their current processes and think about how your skills can help them transition from manual to digital operations. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Since this role involves managing a significant innovation project, be prepared to discuss your experience with project management. Think of examples where you've led a project, managed timelines, or navigated change. Highlight your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and how you can contribute to the company's strategic development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the collaborative nature of the KTP scheme, the team you'll be working with, or the specific challenges they face in automating their production line. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can fit into their plans.
