Manufacturing & Technology Engineer

Smiths Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering professional to drive deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies across the group. You will work with cross-divisional teams to identify opportunities, coordinate projects from discovery through to delivery and benefits tracking.

The role requires a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, experience in manufacturing/engineering environments and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including regular travel to Coventry.

Qualifications

• Degree in Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience within a manufacturing, engineering or technology environment.
• Structured graduate development programme experience would be highly advantageous.
• Understanding of manufacturing technologies, automation and robotics.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement principles and operational excellence methodologies.
• Interest in emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, testing, simulation, digital technologies and AI.
• Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing or technology-related projects.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders and functions.

Responsibilities

• Support the deployment and adoption of advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation across Smiths.
• Support the development and management of strategic relationships with research organisations, universities and specialist technology providers.
• Coordinate technology opportunities and projects from initial discovery through to project launch, delivery and benefits tracking.
• Represent Smiths at technical meetings and external forums, providing clear updates, actions and recommendations.
• Help our divisions identify emerging technologies and identify external capabilities that broaden Smiths' access to manufacturing, testing, simulation and research expertise.
• Support global Enterprise Excellence activity, including continuous improvement projects, site assessments, problem solving and the sharing of standards and best practice.
• Support broader innovation initiatives across the Group, including AI deployment and adoption.
• Support reviews of existing machinery and manufacturing equipment across Smiths sites to assess alignment with Smiths Health & Safety standards, including machine safeguarding, energy isolation (LOTO) and other critical risk controls, and help identify improvement opportunities where gaps exist.
• Support the development of Group standards and guidance for manufacturing machinery and equipment, including machine safeguarding, energy isolation (LOTO), risk assessment and safe operation.
• Build effective relationships across Smiths divisions, functions and regions, with occasional domestic and international travel.

Skills

Automation & robotics knowledge

Continuous improvement principles

Emerging technologies interest

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Independent work mindset

Education

Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Structured graduate development programme experience

Job description

At Smiths, we apply leading-edge technology to design, manufacture, and deliver smarter engineering solutions for mission-critical applications, solving some of the world's toughest problems for our customers, our communities, and our world. We are an FTSE 100 global business with around 15,000 colleagues, based in 50 countries. Our solutions have a real impact on lives across the planet, enabling industry, improving healthcare, enhancing security, advancing connectivity, and supporting new homes. Our products and services are often critical to our customers’ operations, while our proprietary technology and high service levels help create a competitive advantage. We welcome colleagues with a curious mindwho are comfortable with responsibility, enjoy a challenge, and are drawn to the idea of working at a business with an almost 175-year history of innovation and three global divisions, each an expert in its field.

Job Description

Support Smiths' global deployment and adoption of manufacturing and engineering technologies through strategic partnerships, cross-division collaboration and driving Manufacturing Excellence. The role will help identify, evaluate and deploy new technologies, strengthen external capability and support continuous improvement and capability development across the Group.

Duties:

• Support the deployment and adoption of advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation across Smiths.
• Support the development and management of strategic relationships with research organisations, universities and specialist technology providers.
• Coordinate technology opportunities and projects from initial discovery through to project launch, delivery and benefits tracking.
• Represent Smiths at technical meetings and external forums, providing clear updates, actions and recommendations.
• Help our divisions identify emerging technologies and identify external capabilities that broaden Smiths' access to manufacturing, testing, simulation and research expertise.
• Support global Enterprise Excellence activity, including continuous improvement projects, site assessments, problem solving and the sharing of standards and best practice.
• Support broader innovation initiatives across the Group, including AI deployment and adoption.
• Support reviews of existing machinery and manufacturing equipment across Smiths sites to assess alignment with Smiths Health & Safety standards, including machine safeguarding, energy isolation (LOTO) and other critical risk controls, and help identify improvement opportunities where gaps exist.
• Support the development of Group standards and guidance for manufacturing machinery and equipment, including machine safeguarding, energy isolation (LOTO), risk assessment and safe operation.
• Build effective relationships across Smiths divisions, functions and regions, with occasional domestic and international travel.
• You should note that your title and job description are not exhaustive, and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake other reasonable tasks within your capacity.

Qualifications

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Degree in Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience within a manufacturing, engineering or technology environment.
• Successful completion of a structured graduate development programme within a manufacturing, engineering or technology organisation would be highly advantageous.
• Understanding of manufacturing technologies, automation and robotics.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement principles and operational excellence methodologies.
• Interest in emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, testing, simulation, digital technologies and AI.
• Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing or technology-related projects.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders and functions.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Collaboration and relationship building across functions and divisions
• Curiosity and continuous learning mindset
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
• Initiative and ability to work independently
• Project coordination and organisational skills
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences

Travel Requirements

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Role will require some frequent travel to Coventry

Additional Information

At Smiths, our values guide everything we do. We act withintegrity, always doing what’s right and holding ourselves accountable. We bringpassionto our work, striving for excellence and innovation. Ourcustomer focusdrives us to deliver outstanding service and solutions. We takeownershipof our actions and outcomes, working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. And we treat everyone withrespect, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

Why Smiths?

• Growth Opportunities: At Smiths,we believe in your growth as much as our own. You’ll have the chance to shape your career and expand your leadership capabilities in an ever-evolving global landscape.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a diverse, collaborative team where innovation and fresh ideas are encouraged.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a supportive work environment.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.