AI-Enabled Process Engineer - Plastics & Automation

Brett Martin Ltd; Newtownabbey; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Brett Martin Ltd in Newtownabbey, NI, is seeking a Manufacturing Excellence Engineer to lead process improvements in plastics processing, injection moulding, and extrusion. You will apply engineering principles, automation and data-driven decision making to boost productivity and quality.

Working across engineering, maintenance and suppliers, you will drive Industry 4.0 initiatives, AI-enabled improvements and new product introductions while ensuring safety and compliance across manufacturing

Qualifications

• Education to degree level in engineering or plastic-related subject.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role.

Responsibilities

• Work with Engineering, Maintenance and external suppliers on automation projects and equipment upgrades.
• Assist with the development of long-term automation roadmaps aligned with business growth requirements.
• Contribute to improvements in manufacturing reliability through modern control and monitoring technologies.
• Support the implementation of robotics, machine vision, automated material handling and advanced manufacturing technologies where appropriate.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve process control through advanced sensors, intelligent monitoring systems and automation solutions.
• Identify AI opportunities to improve manufacturing performance, process control and decision-making.
• Develop AI solutions for optimisation, quality, predictive maintenance, planning and energy reduction.
• Evaluate digital technologies and assess applicability to the business.
• Use manufacturing data to generate insights, predictive models and automated reporting.
• Build data-driven monitoring for moulding and extrusion to improve stability and quality.
• Support digital capability growth including real-time monitoring, analytics and automation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve data collection and utilisation.
• Promote AI tools for engineering problem-solving and documentation.
• Drive Industry 4.0 innovation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Support industrialisation and launch of new products and processes.
• Develop robust processing to meet quality, throughput and cost targets.
• Support NPI across platforms including moulding and extrusion.
• Establish process windows, control plans and operating standards.
• Plan and run trials and improvement activities.
• Lead manufacturing trials for materials, tooling, dies, automation and processes.
• Assist commissioning and validation of new equipment.
• Ensure process capability and documentation before handover.
• Support capacity expansion and new technology implementation.
• Participate in capital projects and engineering developments.
• Prepare technical justifications, plans and business cases.
• Support equipment upgrades and process improvements.
• Liaise with suppliers and technical specialists.
• Ensure safe, effective delivery of project objectives.
• Support project reviews to confirm operational and financial benefits.
• Analyse production data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Develop dashboards and reports for data-driven decisions.
• Support KPI systems and performance measurement tools.
• Use statistical techniques to improve process understanding.
• Provide management updates on progress and performance.
• Create visual management tools for operational visibility.
• Support operator training and capability development.
• Maintain documentation, work instructions and standards.
• Promote best practice in plastics processing and CI.
• Share technical knowledge across teams.
• Encourage new technologies and digital tools.
• Champion continuous improvement and automation initiatives.
• Ensure safe engineering activities aligned with legislation and procedures.
• Support risk assessments and change management.
• Promote safe working and housekeeping.
• Implement equipment changes safely including automation and digital systems.
• Comply with policies and quality management requirements.

Education

Engineering degree

Plastic-related subject

Job description

Brett Martin Ltd in Newtownabbey, NI, is seeking a Manufacturing Excellence Engineer to lead process improvements in plastics processing, injection moulding, and extrusion. You will apply engineering principles, automation and data-driven decision making to boost productivity and quality.

Working across engineering, maintenance and suppliers, you will drive Industry 4.0 initiatives, AI-enabled improvements and new product introductions while ensuring safety and compliance across manufacturing