About the role:

The primary purpose of this role is to provide hands on Automation expertise supporting the implementation of automated welding and assembly.

• Identify opportunities for automation within the hull welding (steel/armour) and bridge fabrication (aluminium) lines.
• Draft technical specifications for the procurement of large-scale robotic welding cells, CNC fabrication centres, and automated material handling systems.
• Conduct Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and ROI calculations for new capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects.
• Lead the physical installation and "Site Acceptance Testing" (SAT) of new robotic systems.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to establish robust preventative maintenance schedules for all automated assets.
• Develop and refine robot programs for complex geometries, specifically multi-pass heavy plate welding and thick and thin-gauge aluminium joining.
• Utilise Off-Line Programming (OLP) software to minimise production downtime during new product introduction (NPI).
• Troubleshoot PLC logic and HMI interfaces to ensure seamless communication between hardware components.
• Analyse production data to identify bottlenecks and cycle time improvements.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce scrap rates in high-value aluminium materials.
• Mentor shop-floor operators on basic robot intervention and safety protocols
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (including Quality, Production, and Maintenance) to drive collaborative problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
• Develop processes to improve dimensional stability from effective jigging / fixture / alignment.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation for all automated processes to ensure repeatability and quality assurance.
• Implement robust Risk Management strategies for automated lines, conducting FMEAs (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to pre-empt technical or safety failures.
• Ensure all automated cells strictly adhere to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements, including CE/UKCA marking and PUWER regulations.
• Continuously drive efficiency improvements that reduce the build hours/product.
• Support and lead structured problem solving and process improvement activities.
• Provide design for manufacturing input at early stages in the new product development process.
• Support project management in cross functional activity required for project execution.
• Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing and quality standards and procedures are adhered to.

What we’re looking for:

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• HND in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics discipline
• Proficiency in at least one major robot language and experience with PLCs
• Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Mechatronics discipline
• PRINCE2, Agile, PMP or similar project management accreditation.
• Lean certification such a Six Sigma Green or Black Belt would be advantageous.
• Proven experience in a similar role
• Computer skills (MS Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Working within a manufacturing and engineering environment.
• Ability to identify and mitigate technical, schedule and cost risks.
• Understanding of large-scale manufacturing, including advanced techniques, quality control (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing).
• Practical experience of NPI.
• Process planning and optimisation.
• Ability to analyse process data to drive improvements (cycle and tact RFT etc.)
• Practical knowledge of relevant H&SE regulations

When you become part of the KNDS UK team, you will enjoy employee benefits such as:

• Competitive salary
• Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution)
• Half-day Friday
• Life assurance scheme
• Company sick pay scheme which increases with service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional Holidays & other Long Service rewards
• Wellbeing initiatives, such as Free Fruit on Tuesday’s
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• On-site electric vehicle charging points

We’re also very proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2018, achieving their Silver Award in 2020 and Gold Award in 2024. We actively support and encourage service leavers, reservists and cadets to join our team, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.

If you are passionate about Automation and eager to contribute to a thriving workplace environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

We look forward to receiving your application!