Automation Engineer

Azenta Life Sciences; Wotton-under-Edge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Azenta Life Sciences is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and support automation systems in an injection moulding and assembly environment. The role focuses on robotics, PLC controls, machine vision, and automated assembly to boost productivity, quality, and reliability.

The position is full-time and onsite in Wotton-under-Edge, England. You will work with production, engineering, quality, and maintenance to drive automation projects and continuous improvement across the

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND or Apprenticeship in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years' automation engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with injection moulding automation systems.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs and industrial control systems.
• Experience with robot programming and integration (FANUC).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, plus validation awareness (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Effective communication and stakeholder management; project leadership capability.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing solutions for moulding and assembly.
• Support integration of robotics, conveyors, inspection equipment, and material handling.
• Lead automation projects from concept through production release.
• Provide technical support for automated equipment and reduce downtime.
• Participate in NPI, DFA/DFM reviews, and process validation activities.
• Develop preventive maintenance for automation equipment and pursue continuous improvement.
• Ensure cycles, quality, and productivity targets are met; improve OEE and scrap reduction.
• Maintain safety and compliance with ISO 9001/13485 where applicable.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics programming

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics degree or equivalent

Tools

FANUC robotics

Job description

Azenta Life Sciences designs and manufactures innovative consumables and instrumentation supporting a wide range of applications across the life sciences industry, from research through to molecular diagnostics.

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join our manufacturing team and take responsibility for the design, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of automation systems within our injection moulding and assembly environment. The role will play a key part in enhancing production efficiency, product quality, safety and equipment reliability through the application of robotics, PLC controls, machine vision and automated assembly technologies.

Working closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Tooling and Maintenance, you will lead automation projects, resolve complex manufacturing issues and introduce new technologies that improve operational performance, increase reliability and reduce manufacturing costs.

The position is full time, onsite in Wotton, Surrey - own transport required due to rural location

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.
• 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

• Degree or HNC/HND or Apprenticeship 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).
• 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.