Graduate Automation Engineer

Anonymous; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Anonymous is seeking a Graduate Automation Engineer to join the Manufacturing department at the Barnsley site. The role focuses on modernising production through robotics, automation and process optimisation in a complex manufacturing environment.

You will deliver practical improvements on the shop floor, lead automation projects, and collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency, quality and innovation in key manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Robotics and Automation or related discipline.
• Strong technical understanding of automation and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with robotics, PLCs and data-driven improvement.

Responsibilities

• Identify and deliver automation opportunities across manufacturing operations.
• Lead installation, commissioning, and integration of robotic and automated systems.
• Develop and optimise robot programs and PLC-controlled processes.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis and support capital investment decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement using data analysis and Lean methodologies.

Skills

Automation

Robotics

PLC programming

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

APQP

PFMEA

Project management

CAD

Education

Degree in Robotics and Automation

Engineering degree (related)

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

An opportunity has arisen within the Manufacturing department for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer, based primarily at their Barnsley site. As the business continues to invest in capital equipment and technology, this role will play a key part in modernising production through robotics, automation and process optimisation within a complex manufacturing environment. You will join them on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary.

This role would suit an Automation Engineer with a degree in Robotics and Automation or similar who is focused on delivering practical improvements on the shop floor. The successful candidate will be confident introducing new technology, leading automation projects, and working across teams to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation in key manufacturing processes.

As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom fitted furniture, they have had unsuppressed growth, with over 50 years' experience. Their emphasis is on providing a high standard for all their products and the services they offer. They are currently seeking the very best people, to further strengthen their position within the industry by appointing dedicated individuals to share in their success.

Key responsibilities of their Graduate Automation Engineer will include:

• Identify and deliver automation opportunities across manufacturing operations.
• Lead installation, commissioning, and integration of robotic and automated systems
• Develop and optimise robot programs and PLC-controlled processes.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis and support capital investment decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement using data analysis and Lean methodologies.

As their Graduate Automation Engineer, you will ideally have

• A strong understanding of APQP, PFMEA, Six Sigma and Statistical Process Control methodologies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process design, cell layout and material flow principles.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Project management experience with multiple engineering projects.
• Knowledge of CAD software, ideally AutoCAD.
• A degree in Robotics and Automation or a related discipline.

You must also have:

• Excellent analytical, fault finding and problem-solving ability.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to influence and work collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on delivering measurable business improvements.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and manufacturing processes.
• A full UK driving licence as there will be some travel to other manufacturing sites.

This position will be rewarded with a competitive salary.