Automation Engineer – Robotic Welding & Fabrication
North West UK | £60,000–£65,000 | Permanent
A well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation with a strong reputation for innovation, quality and operational excellence is expanding its automation capability — and looking for a hands-on Automation Engineer to join the team at its state-of-the-art North West facility.
The business designs and delivers complex engineered products for highly regulated markets, supporting customers across the UK and internationally. This is a genuinely impactful role, sitting at the centre of efforts to keep robotic welding and automated fabrication systems running safely, efficiently and reliably.
The Role
• Supporting automation concept development and acting as the technical interface with equipment suppliers
• Assisting with the specification, procurement and implementation of automation solutions
• Supporting installation, commissioning, FAT and SAT activities for new equipment
• Developing and implementing preventative maintenance strategies alongside maintenance teams
• Providing specialist fault-finding support and applying software fixes to minimise production downtime
• Collaborating with system integrators, production teams and engineering functions to resolve process and equipment issues
• Programming, modifying and supporting PLCs and associated control systems
• Identifying and delivering automation improvements within welding and fabrication processes
• Developing, optimising and maintaining robotic welding programmes in collaboration with internal engineering teams
• Using offline programming platforms where appropriate
• Supporting continuous improvement through on-site robot optimisation and new product introduction
• Analysing production performance data and implementing practical process improvements
• Applying Lean Manufacturing and CI methodologies directly on the shop floor
• Supporting and guiding production operators on robot operation, fault recovery and safe working practices
• Maintaining automation documentation, operating procedures and engineering standards
• Ensuring all equipment modifications comply with health, safety and machinery regulations
• Supporting quality and manufacturing standards through robust process control
What We’re Looking For
• HND, degree or equivalent in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline
• Proven experience in a manufacturing automation, robotics or production engineering environment
• Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and working with PLC control systems
• Understanding of robotic welding and automated fabrication processes is a strong advantage
• Knowledge of process optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting ability
• Capable of analysing manufacturing data and translating it into 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
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Project management qualifications (PRINCE2, PMP, Agile) are a bonus
• Lean/Six Sigma certification is desirable
What’s on Offer
• £60,000–£65,000 salary
• 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 on-site parking and EV charging
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
This is a standout opportunity for an Automation, Robotics, Controls or Mechatronics Engineer who wants to play a central role in the development and optimisation of advanced automated manufacturing systems — within a growing business that’s genuinely investing in its future.
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