Manufacturing Engineer Automation

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. As part of continued investment in automation and manufacturing capability, they are seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to join their engineering team. 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. Apply Now  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. Data Protection Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to Recruit Engineering processing and storing your personal data, including your CV, contact details, and any other relevant information, for the purpose of providing work-finding services. This consent includes forwarding your details to our clients and storing your information on our recruitment software database. Your consent will last for two years, and you can withdraw it at any time by contacting us in writing or via email