Winsearch is supporting a leading advanced manufacturing organisation in the search for an experienced Automation Engineer to support the development and implementation of automated welding and assembly processes within a complex engineering environment.

This role will focus on introducing and optimising large-scale automation systems including robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication equipment and automated material handling systems. The successful candidate will work closely with production, engineering and maintenance teams to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality and repeatability across key fabrication programmes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with automation strategy, process improvement and capital equipment implementation.

The Role

The Automation Engineer will play a key role in identifying automation opportunities, delivering capital equipment projects and supporting the commissioning and optimisation of robotic manufacturing systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to improve production efficiency, reduce waste and ensure automated systems meet the required safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Strategy & Capital Equipment

Identify opportunities for automation across fabrication and welding processes
Develop technical specifications for robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication equipment and automated handling systems
Support capital equipment procurement activities
Carry out cost-benefit analysis and ROI calculations for automation investment projects
Commissioning & Integration

Lead installation and site acceptance testing of new robotic systems
Work closely with maintenance teams to develop preventative maintenance plans for automated equipment
Support the integration of automation systems into existing production environments
Programming & Technical Optimisation

Develop and optimise robot programs for complex welding applications
Utilise offline programming tools to reduce production downtime during new product introduction
Troubleshoot PLC logic and HMI interfaces to ensure reliable system communication
Continuous Improvement & Production Support

Analyse production data to identify opportunities to improve cycle times and efficiency
Apply Lean manufacturing principles to reduce scrap and improve process capability
Support operators with training around robot operation, intervention and safety protocols
Coordinate cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing issues using structured problem solving
Process Development & Governance

Develop and maintain SOPs and technical documentation for automated processes
Conduct risk assessments and FMEA activities to ensure system reliability and safety
Ensure automated systems comply with CE / UKCA requirements and PUWER regulations
Support early-stage product development through design-for-manufacture input
Requirements

Degree or HND in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or similar discipline
Proven experience working in an automation or robotics engineering role within manufacturing
Experience programming industrial robots and working with PLC control systems
Experience delivering automation or capital equipment projects within production environments
Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and process optimisation techniques
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and drive improvements
Experience working within engineering or manufacturing environments
Good understanding of health, safety and regulatory requirements within industrial automation
Desirable

Project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP or Agile
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
Experience supporting new product introduction activities
Knowledge of large-scale automated manufacturing systems
What's on Offer

Competitive salary depending on experience
Opportunity to work on large-scale automation projects within a complex engineering environment
Long-term career development opportunities
Involvement in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and continuous improvement initiatives
INDWIN

Our clients and their customers come from diverse backgrounds and so do we. We hire our people from various walks of life, each of whom make our company stronger with their talent, uniqueness, and expertise. This is what makes our company special; if you want to help us grow and take this ethos to our clients, then we cannot wait to collaborate with you!

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Many Thanks