Automation Engineer

Know How Resourcing; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Know How Resourcing is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer in Barnsley. You will lead automation initiatives across a high-volume plant, integrating robotics and PLC-controlled systems to boost productivity, quality and safety. The role emphasizes project delivery from concept through to handover.

The ideal candidate brings robotics expertise, PLC experience and a strong background in continuous improvement, with a degree in engineering and experience in automotive or FMCG environments.

Qualifications

• Two years plus experience in Manufacturing/Automation or Production Engineering.
• Experience in Automotive Tier 1 or high-volume manufacturing.
• Proven track record delivering automation projects.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate and implement automation opportunities across manufacturing operations.
• Lead automation projects from concept to installation, commissioning and handover.
• Integrate robotic systems and PLC-controlled machinery into production.
• Develop and optimise robot programming and PLC-based processes.

Skills

Robotics

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

APQP

PFMEA

SPC

NPI

CAD (AutoCAD)

Education

Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Automation Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Location: Barnsley (Primary Site)

Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:30am - 5:00pm | Friday: 8:30am - 4:00pm

Manufacturing Automation Engineer - Robotics | PLCs | Process Improvement | Capital Projects

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering team based primarily at our Barnsley site.

As we continue to invest in new technology, robotics and advanced manufacturing, this is a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of our production operations. You will be responsible for identifying and implementing automation solutions that improve productivity, quality, efficiency and safety across our manufacturing facility.

This role is ideal for an experienced Automation or Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in robotics, PLC-controlled systems and continuous improvement, who enjoys taking projects from concept through to implementation.

What you'll be doing

• Identify, evaluate and implement automation opportunities across manufacturing operations.
• Lead automation projects from initial concept, design and specification through to installation, commissioning and final handover.
• Integrate robotic systems, automated equipment and PLC-controlled machinery into existing production processes.
• Develop, modify and optimise robot programming and PLC-controlled manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality and Engineering teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis to support capital investment and automation business cases.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and data-driven problem-solving techniques.
• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), cycle times, process capability and production efficiency.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing robust and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Ensure all automation projects comply with health & safety, quality and engineering standards.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, operating procedures and engineering records.

What we're looking for

• A minimum of two years' experience within a Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering or Production Engineering role.
• Previous experience within an Automotive Tier 1, FMCG or other high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience delivering automation or manufacturing improvement projects.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Strong knowledge of robotics, industrial automation and PLC-controlled manufacturing systems.
• Good understanding of manufacturing process design, production cell layout and material flow principles.
• Experience using Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and waste reduction techniques.Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
• CAD experience, ideally using AutoCAD or similar software.
• A Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Personal qualities

• A proactive and innovative engineer with a passion for automation and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• An excellent analytical thinker with strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organised with strong project management capabilities.
• Able to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels across the business.
• Comfortable influencing stakeholders and working collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Results-driven with a focus on delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, cost and productivity.
• Adaptable and enthusiastic about learning new technologies and manufacturing processes.

This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking manufacturing business that continues to invest heavily in automation, robotics and advanced manufacturing technology.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead exciting automation and capital investment projects.
• Work with modern robotics and manufacturing technologies.
• Make a genuine impact on manufacturing performance.
• Develop your technical skills and career within a growing engineering team.
• Be part of a culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

If you're an Automation Engineer looking to take ownership of exciting engineering projects and help shape the future of manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you