Advanced Lead Industrial Automation Engineer

-; England; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in aerospace technologies is seeking an Automation Engineer in the United Kingdom. This role involves developing and improving robotic automation systems, leading system integration, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have considerable experience with FANUC robotics, as well as strong electrical control design skills. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

401(k) with matching contributions

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in automation manufacturing.
• 5+ years in manufacturing with automation-focused experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and program automation systems including FANUC robots.
• Lead integration and commissioning of robotic systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Provide support and training to technicians.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Programming FANUC robots

Electrical control design

Proficiency with industrial networks

Scripting (Python, VB, C#)

Analytical problem-solving

Leadership and mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

High school diploma/GED with 4 years experience

Tools

FANUC robots

GE or Emerson PLCs

CAD software (Siemens NX, SolidWorks)

Job description

Job Description Summary

Join our team as an Automation Engineer to develop, deploy, and continuously improve industrial robotic automation systems. You'll design and program controls, lead integration and commissioning, support production, and mentor technicians-driving measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and Programming - Develop, modify, and optimize PLC, HMI, and robot programs for new and existing systems. Program and tune FANUC robots (TP programming; frames, tool offsets, motion paths; vision guidance). Design control architectures using GE or Emerson PLCs, including network layouts, safety circuits, and motion strategies. Specify and configure hardware (servo drives, sensors, safety devices) and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet, DeviceNet)
• Integration and Commissioning - Lead installation, debugging, and commissioning of FANUC robotic cells and assembly systems. Collaborate with mechanical and process engineering to ensure seamless equipment integration. Validate system functionality, cycle time, quality, and safety compliance prior to production hand-off.
• Compliance - Ensure systems meet OSHA, ANSI/RIA (R15.06), NFPA, and ISO/TS standards. Implement and validate safety interlocks, e-stops, guarding, and functional safety requirements (e.g., DCS on FANUC, safe torque off).
• Support and Training - Troubleshoot controls, robotics, and network issues impacting uptime and first-pass yield. Establish preventive maintenance and error recovery routines (e.g., FANUC error recovery, safe homing, controlled restarts). Train and mentor maintenance, production, and automation technicians on proper system use and troubleshooting.
• Continuous Improvement - Identify and implement automation upgrades to improve throughput, quality, and operator safety. Lead retrofits using FANUC robots with advanced motion and control strategies on GE/Emerson PLCs. Apply Lean principles to reduce cycle time, scrap, and variation.
• Outside Vendor (OV) Projects - Develop machine specifications; support vendor selection and platform alignment (FANUC, GE/Emerson). Participate in design reviews, progress meetings, FAT/SAT, and acceptance testing. Update machine specifications and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Growth - Additional training or education may be required to fulfill the capability required to meet these duties and responsibilities.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's Degree accredited in college or university (or a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 4 years of automation manufacturing experience) + Minimum of 3 years of automation manufacturing experience

Desired Experience

• 5+ years in manufacturing, including 3+ years in an automation-focused role
• Hands-on experience programming and designing industrial automation systems with:
  • FANUC robots (TP programming, frames/tools setup, vision integration)
  • GE or Emerson PLCs (ladder, structured text; HMI development) Servo systems and machine vision (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) integration
• Electrical control design and mechanical design exposure for automation systems
• Proficiency with industrial networks and communications (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP, serial, Ethernet) and associated troubleshooting
• Scripting experience (Python, VB, or C#) for robot interface, HMI development, productivity tools, etc.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Strong PC/software skills
• Experience with mechanical CAD (Siemens NX, SolidWorks)
• Broad exposure to production machinery, sensors, and industrial power systems
• Strong knowledge of mechanical drives; hydraulic, pneumatic systems; PLC/HMI systems; servo and motion; machine vision
• EOAT design experience
• Field experience directing and coordinating operation, maintenance, and repair at plant or customer sites
• On-site I/O checkout, startup, and commissioning experience (FAT/SAT)
• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed
• Leadership ability: strong communicator, decision-maker, collaborative
• Problem solver: analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, critical thinker

The salary range for this position is $83,800.00 - $112,000.00 USD Annual. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive plan. This posting is expected to close on November 2nd, 2025.

Benefits

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

Compliance and Eligibility

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export‑controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and National‑Legal Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Equal Opportunity

GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.