Manufacturing Automation Engineer

WSR is recruiting for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer for our reputable client in Northampton.

Job Title: Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Location: Northampton

Salary: £50k - £55k

Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Working Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Are you a Manufacturing Engineer with a passion for automation, robotics and continuous improvement?

We're recruiting for an exciting opportunity with a well-established manufacturing business supplying engineered products to customers across a range of global industries. This is a hands-on role where you'll play a key part in improving manufacturing performance, driving automation projects and supporting the introduction of new technologies across the production environment.

Working closely with engineering, operations and maintenance teams, you'll be responsible for developing and optimising manufacturing processes, improving efficiency and quality, and supporting the site's ongoing investment in automation and advanced manufacturing solutions.

Manufacturing Automation Engineer Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain and control manufacturing process documentation, including PFMEAs, Control Plans and work instructions.


• Review and improve existing manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, productivity and cost performance.


• Lead root cause investigations and implement effective corrective actions using structured problem-solving techniques.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen and Six Sigma methodologies.


• Monitor operational performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency.


• Support the implementation of new processes, equipment and production technologies.


• Lead and support projects involving robotic welding systems, automated equipment and manufacturing automation.


• Optimise robotic and automated production cells to improve throughput, quality and reliability.


• Conduct trials, process validations and capability studies for new equipment and manufacturing methods.


• Assist with the design and development of tooling, fixtures and manufacturing aids.


• Work collaboratively with maintenance and production teams to maximise equipment uptime and performance.


• Support capital investment projects from concept through to implementation.

• Previous experience within a manufacturing engineering role, ideally within a high-volume or engineering-led environment.


• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, automation and continuous improvement principles.


• Experience working with robotic welding systems, automated production equipment or industrial robotics.


• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies.


• Comfortable analysing data and using manufacturing KPIs to drive improvements.


• Understanding of metrics such as OEE, TAKT, cycle time and cost of quality.


• CAD experience, ideally using packages such as AutoCAD or Creo.


• Exposure to PLC-controlled equipment and manufacturing systems would be advantageous.


• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.


• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Applications are welcomed from candidates holding a relevant engineering or manufacturing qualification, including degree-level education, HNC/HND, BTEC, City & Guilds, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking manufacturer investing heavily in automation, process improvement and operational excellence, where your ideas and expertise will have a direct impact on the future of the business.

Please click ‘APPLY NOW’, or call the WSR Team at for more info.

We appreciate the time and effort invested in your application. While we strive to respond to all applicants promptly, we kindly ask for your understanding in case of delays. If you do not hear from us within 10 days of submitting your application, please assume that, unfortunately, you have not been successful this time.

We will however keep your CV on file and review your suitability against any other vacancies we may have available.

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