Automation Engineer

Azenta Life Sciences; Wotton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Azenta UK, Ltd. in the United Kingdom is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement and optimise automation systems within an injection moulding environment.

You will lead projects, integrate robotics and automation, and work with production and quality teams to improve efficiency and reliability. The role requires hands-on PLC programming, robotics experience (FANUC preferred), and a proactive approach to problem-solving, maintenance planning, and continuous improvement while upholding

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years automation engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with injection moulding and related automation systems.
• Strong PLC programming and industrial control systems knowledge.
• Experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g. FANUC).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and drawings.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Understanding of IQ/OQ/PQ validation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing solutions for injection moulding and secondary assembly processes.
• Support integration of robotic systems, conveyors, automated inspection equipment, and material handling systems.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation and productivity improvements.
• Lead automation projects from concept through validation and production release.
• Provide technical support for automated production equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation, controls, and robotics-related issues to minimise downtime.
• Develop preventative maintenance strategies for automation equipment.
• Ensure manufacturing processes achieve required cycle times, quality standards, and productivity targets.
• Develop automated solutions to support new tooling, assembly, and inspection requirements.
• Participate in Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) reviews.
• Assist with process validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ where applicable.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE, scrap reduction, cycle time reduction, and labour efficiency.
• Utilise Lean Manufacturing methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Implement and utilise data collection and monitoring systems to support performance analysis and decision-making.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant machinery safety standards and company policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safeguarding measures for automated equipment.
• Support compliance with quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 where applicable.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including electrical drawings, specifications, and validation records.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication & stakeholder management

Project leadership

Independent work

Continuous improvement

Safety awareness

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent (Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics)

Lean Six Sigma qualification

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

FANUC robotics programming

Job description

Azenta UK, Ltd.

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships.

All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity

Job Title

Automation Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all automation systems, within an injection moulding manufacturing and assembly environment. The role focuses on improving production efficiency, quality, safety, and equipment reliability through the effective use of robotics, PLC controls, vision systems, and automated assembly technologies.

Working closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Tooling and Maintenance the Automation Engineer will lead automation projects, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and support the introduction of new technologies that enhance operational performance and reduce manufacturing costs.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Process Development

• Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing solutions for injection moulding and secondary assembly processes.

• Support integration of robotic systems, conveyors, automated inspection equipment, and material handling systems.

• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation and productivity improvements.

• Lead automation projects from concept through validation and production release.

Production Support

• Provide technical support for automated production equipment.

• Troubleshoot and resolve automation, controls, and robotics-related issues to minimise downtime.

• Support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for recurring equipment failures.

• Develop preventative maintenance strategies for automation equipment.

• Ensure manufacturing processes achieve required cycle times, quality standards, and productivity targets.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Develop automated solutions to support new tooling, assembly, and inspection requirements.

• Participate in Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) reviews.

• Assist with process validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ where applicable.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE, scrap reduction, cycle time reduction, and labour efficiency.

• Utilise Lean Manufacturing methodologies to improve operational performance.

• Implement and utilise data collection and monitoring systems to support performance analysis and decision-making.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant machinery safety standards and company policies.

• Conduct risk assessments and implement safeguarding measures for automated equipment.

• Support compliance with quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 where applicable.

• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including electrical drawings, specifications, and validation records.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree or HNC/HND or Apprenticehip in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in an automation engineering role within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience working with injection moulding processes and associated automation systems.

• Strong knowledge of PLC programming and industrial control systems.

• Experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g. FANUC).

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Understanding of validation requirements (IQ/OQ/PQ).

Desirable

• Lean Six Sigma qualification.

• Project management experience.

• Solidworks experience (CAD)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Project leadership and organisation skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

• Results-driven with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing safety requirements.

• Effective time management and prioritisation skills.

If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please email at [e-mail] for assistance.

Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.