Robot Programmer

J C Bamford Excavators Ltd; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym

In-house doctor

In-house dentist

ULEV car scheme

Rewards Hub discounts

Cycle to Work

Job summary

JCB Compact Products is seeking an experienced Robot Programmer to lead the development, optimisation and support of our robotic welding operations on-site. You will work with Production, Quality and Engineering to improve safety, quality and productivity while maintaining high equipment performance.

As a technical expert, you will train production teams to maximise the benefits of robotic technology and help introduce new processes and products with a focus on waste reduction and efficiency

Qualifications

• Five+ years of experience programming and operating industrial robots, preferably welding.
• Ability to create/modify robot programs for new/existing products.
• Experience with robotic welding systems and diagnostics software.

Responsibilities

• Maintain uptime of robotic welding cells and ensure reliable production.
• Troubleshoot robotic and automation faults to minimise downtime.
• Develop and validate robotic welding processes for new products.
• Drive cycle time reductions and process optimisations to improve quality.
• Coach operators on safe and effective use of robotic systems.

Skills

Robotics programming

Industrial robots

Troubleshooting

Continuous improvement

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

ABB/KUKA/IGM platforms

Programming software

Job description

About the role:

We’re looking for an experienced and driven Robot Programmer to join the team at JCB Compact Products, playing a key role in the development, optimisation and support of our robotic welding operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a manufacturing professional with strong robotic welding experience to lead continuous improvement activities, enhance production efficiency and ensure the reliability of automated manufacturing systems. Working closely with Production, Quality and Engineering teams, you will be responsible for maintaining high levels of equipment performance, supporting new product introductions and driving improvements in safety, quality and productivity.

As a technical expert within the business, you’ll support the ongoing development of automated manufacturing processes while helping to train and develop production teams to maximise the benefits of robotic technology.

What does this role involve day to day?

• Maintaining high levels of uptime across robotic welding cells, ensuring reliable and efficient production.
• Troubleshooting and resolving robotic and automation faults to minimise downtime and support operational performance.
• Creating, modifying and optimising robotic weld programs for both new and existing products.
• Driving improvements in robot performance through cycle time reduction, process optimisation and quality enhancements.
• Managing welding consumables to ensure cost-effective and uninterrupted production activities.
• Supporting new product introduction activities by developing and validating robotic welding processes.
• Working closely with Production and Quality teams to resolve manufacturing issues and improve product quality.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, efficiency gains and process standardisation.
• Supporting the implementation of best practices across automated manufacturing operations.
• Training and coaching operators and production teams on the safe and effective use of robotic equipment.
• Ensuring all activities are carried out in line with health, safety and quality requirements.

This will be suited to you if…

• You have at least five years' experience programming and operating industrial robots, ideally within a robotic welding environment.
• You have experience working with robotic systems such as ABB, IGM, KUKA or similar platforms.
• You have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, particularly welding and automated production systems.
• You’re confident creating, modifying and optimising robot programs to improve efficiency and quality.
• You have excellent fault-finding and troubleshooting skills across robotic and automated equipment.
• You’re comfortable using programming, diagnostic and simulation software to support manufacturing operations.
• You have knowledge of IGM software or similar robotic welding systems (desirable).
• You’re passionate about continuous improvement and enjoy identifying opportunities to increase productivity and reduce waste.
• You are an effective communicator who can work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality and Production teams.
• You enjoy coaching and developing others and are confident training operators on robotic systems.
• You have a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of health, safety and quality within a manufacturing environment.

What’s in it for you?

• competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension
• you can also use our onsite gym, in-house doctor and dentist
• We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too
• Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers
• Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.

We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email [e-mail], and a member of the team will be in touch.