Automation Engineer - Manufacturing

Automation Experts; Stretford; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Half-day Friday

Employee Assistance

Long Service Rewards

Life Assurance

Wellbeing Initiatives

Cycle to Work

Free Parking

EV charging

Job summary

Automation Experts in Greater Manchester is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to drive robotic welding, CNC automation and large-scale production automation projects. You’ll join a dedicated Manufacturing Engineering team to develop innovative automated solutions that improve efficiency and quality on high-volume lines.

Key responsibilities include leading installation, SAT testing and developing robot programs, while applying Lean methods and supporting cross-functional teams across

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on experience with automated manufacturing projects.
• Experience with robotic welding and automated handling systems is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement automation opportunities across welding and fabrication operations (robotics, CNC, handling).
• Support specification and procurement of robotic welding cells and automated equipment.
• Lead installation, commissioning and SAT activities.
• Develop and optimise robot programs for complex manufacturing applications.
• Use Off-Line Programming to minimise downtime during new product introduction (NPI).
• Troubleshoot PLCs and HMI systems to support automation processes.
• Analyze production data to improve cycle times, efficiency and quality.
• Apply Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Industrial Robotics ABB

Siemens PLC systems

Lean Manufacturing

NPI

Automation integration

Education

HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics

Job description

Automation Engineer - Manufacturing

To £60k + Benefits. Greater Manchester. Ref: 25440

• Attractive Pension (4% Employee Contribution, 7% employer contribution)
• Half-day Friday
• Employee Assistance
• Additional Holidays & Long Service Rewards
• Life Assurance
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free on-site Parking
• On-site EV Charging points

Do you want to help drive the future of robotic manufacturing and automation within a world-class engineering environment?

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join a highly advanced manufacturing operation, supporting the implementation of automated welding, robotic assembly and large-scale production automation projects. Working within a dedicated Manufacturing Engineering team, you'll play a key role in developing innovative automated manufacturing solutions, improving production efficiency and supporting the introduction of cutting-edge robotic systems within a complex engineering environment.

Perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on automation, process optimisation and continuous improvement within large-scale manufacturing.

Automation Engineer - Manufacturing - The Role:

• Identify and implement automation opportunities across welding and fabrication operations
• Support specification and procurement of robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication centres and automated handling systems
• Lead installation, commissioning and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities
• Develop and optimise robot programs for complex manufacturing applications
• Utilise Off-Line Programming (OLP) software to minimise downtime during new product introduction (NPI)
• Troubleshoot PLCs and HMI systems to support automated manufacturing processes
• Analyse production data to improve cycle times, efficiency and product quality
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Develop SOPs, FMEAs and technical documentation for automated systems
• Support cross-functional engineering, production and maintenance teams

Automation Engineer - Manufacturing - What We're Looking For:

• HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics
• Experience with industrial Robotics (ABB) and PLC systems (Siemens)
• Background within automated manufacturing or engineering environments
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and process optimisation
• Experience with NPI, automation integration and production improvement activities
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering and production teams
• Knowledge of manufacturing safety and compliance standards

Desirable experience includes:

• Robotic welding
• CNC machining or automated fabrication systems
• Six Sigma or Lean certification
• Industry 4.0 or digital manufacturing technologies
• Heavy manufacturing experience within defence, automotive or aerospace sectors

Why Join?

• Work on advanced automation and robotic manufacturing technology
• Opportunity to lead innovative automation and continuous improvement projects
• Technically challenging environment with excellent long-term career development
• Strong collaborative engineering culture
• Exposure to large-scale manufacturing and advanced production systems
• Opportunity to influence future manufacturing processes and operational excellence

Located in Greater Manchester, this role would be commutable from Manchester, Oldham, Stockport, Rochdale and other surrounding

If you're looking for a role where you can combine automation expertise, robotics and manufacturing innovation within a highly advanced engineering environment,