Manufacturing Engineer Automation

Recruit Engineering; Stockport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension scheme

Early finish on Fridays

Life assurance cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing initiatives

Cycle-to-work scheme

EV charging facilities

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Recruit Engineering in the North West UK is seeking an Automation Engineer specializing in robotic welding and automated fabrication. The role focuses on supporting, maintaining and improving welding systems to maximise uptime and efficiency.

You will work across production teams, suppliers, and internal engineers to implement process improvements, control strategies, and robot programs. The successful candidate will contribute to NPI activities and lean manufacturing initiatives, ensuring safe,

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing automation and robotics environments.
• Experience programming industrial robots and PLC control systems.
• Knowledge of robotic welding and automated fabrication processes.
• Experience supporting NPI activities and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support automation concept development and interface with equipment suppliers.
• Specify, procure and implement automation solutions.
• Assist with FAT/SAT, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Develop preventive maintenance strategies with maintenance teams.
• Fault-finding and software modification to minimise downtime.
• Program, modify and support PLCs and control systems.
• Analyse production data to drive improvements and apply Lean/ Six Sigma.

Skills

Robotics programming

PLC programming

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

NPI experience

Data analysis

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

HND/Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

PRINCE2 / PMP / Agile qualifications

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Robot programming software

MS Office

Job description

Automation Engineer - Robotic Welding & Fabrication

North West UK | £60,000-£65,000 | Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation with a long-standing reputation for innovation, quality, and operational excellence. Operating from a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the North West, they design and deliver complex engineered products for highly regulated markets, supporting customers both in the UK and internationally.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a practical, hands-on Manufacturing Automation Engineer to support, maintain, and improve robotic welding and automated fabrication systems across production operations.

This role is focused on maximising equipment uptime, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and providing technical expertise during the introduction of new automation projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring automated manufacturing systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Support automation concept development and act as a technical interface with equipment suppliers.
• Assist with the specification, procurement, and implementation of automation solutions.
• Support installation, commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance strategies alongside maintenance teams.
• Provide specialist fault-finding support and implement software modifications to minimise production downtime.
• Work closely with system integrators, production teams, and engineering functions to resolve process and equipment issues.
• Program, modify, and support PLCs and associated control systems.
• Identify and implement automation improvements within welding and fabrication processes.
• Develop, optimise, and maintain robotic welding programs in collaboration with internal engineering teams.
• Utilise offline programming platforms where appropriate.
• Support continuous improvement activities through on-site robot optimisation and new product introduction.
• Analyse production performance data and implement practical process improvements.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies on the shop floor.
• Provide support and guidance to production operators on robot operation, fault recovery, and safe working practices.
• Maintain automation documentation, operating procedures, and engineering standards.
• Ensure equipment modifications comply with relevant health, safety, and machinery regulations.
• Support quality and manufacturing standards through robust process control and adherence to company procedures.

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate is likely to possess:

Qualifications

• HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Project management qualifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, or similar would be advantageous.
• Lean Manufacturing certification (Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt) is desirable.

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience within a manufacturing automation, robotics, or production engineering environment.
• Experience programming industrial robots and working with PLC control systems.
• Understanding of robotic welding and automated fabrication processes would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to analyse manufacturing data and drive operational improvements.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality improvement principles.
• Knowledge of relevant health, safety, and machinery compliance requirements.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Early finish on Fridays.
• Life assurance cover.
• Company sick pay scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Long-service awards and additional holiday benefits.
• Wellbeing initiatives.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Free onsite parking and EV charging facilities.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Controls Engineer, or Mechatronics Engineer looking to play a key role in the development and optimisation of advanced automated manufacturing systems within a growing engineering organisation.