Robotics Engineer

Job Title: Controls & Robotics EngineerLocation: Greet, Cheltenham, GloucestershireOTE: Up to £80,000, depending on experienceContract: Permanent Full-timeTravel: Approximately 40% - UK, Europe, USA and CanadaBring complex automation projects to lifeAre you an experienced Controls and Robotics Engineer who can programme PLC and robotic systems from scratch?We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist automation business that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke machinery for customers across the UK and internationally. Operating from a modern 40,000 sq. ft. facility in North Gloucestershire, the company delivers advanced control, robotics, conveyor and vision-inspection systems across the food, beverage, packaging and rigid-plastics sectors.This is a varied, technically challenging position where you will take automation projects from initial concept through programming, integration, commissioning and final handover.Most solutions are completely bespoke, so you will need to be a capable engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, working directly with customers and seeing machinery operate successfully in a live production environment.The roleReporting to the Managing Director, you will work closely with mechanical, electrical and controls engineers to deliver standalone systems and complete turnkey automation projects.Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and programming PLC, HMI, touchscreen, industrial network and SCADA systems from scratch.
• Programming and integrating industrial robotic systems.
• Developing control architectures and functional solutions alongside mechanical and electrical design teams.
• Taking technical ownership of selected projects from concept and design through build, commissioning and handover.
• Installing, commissioning and testing machinery at customer sites.
• Diagnosing faults and improving existing control and robotic systems.
• Delivering operator and maintenance training to customers.
• Managing project priorities, technical risks and customer communication.
• Supporting and mentoring other engineers in controls and robotics.
• Ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time and to a consistently high standard.

What you will needTo be considered, you should have proven industrial experience covering both controls engineering and robotic automation.Essential experience includes:

• PLC programming using Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens platforms.
• HMI, touchscreen, industrial network and SCADA programming.
• Programming and integrating industrial robots.
• Experience with FANUC, although knowledge of Nachi, Kawasaki or ABB systems will also be considered.
• Industrial communication networks, including EtherNet/IP and PROFINET.
• Automated manufacturing machinery and production processes.
• On-site installation, commissioning, servicing and fault-finding.
• Working directly with customers, suppliers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• The ability to programme systems from scratch rather than only modifying existing code.

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Technical ownership or project management of automation projects.
• EPLAN electrical design.
• Machine-vision systems.
• Packaging machinery, container handling or plastics processing.
• International machinery installation and commissioning.

The personYou will be a practical and methodical engineer who can diagnose problems under pressure and make sound technical decisions on-site.You should also be:

• Self-motivated and able to manage your time with minimal supervision.
• Tenacious, inquisitive and highly attentive to detail.
• Comfortable taking ownership while recognising when additional support is required.
• Clear and professional when communicating with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
• Flexible enough to contribute beyond narrowly defined role boundaries.
• Committed to maintaining high health and safety standards.
• A full UK driving licence is required, normally with no more than three penalty points.

You must be willing to travel and work away from home for approximately 40% of the role, including regular assignments across the UK, Europe and North America. Occasional Saturday working may be required, although Sundays are not normally worked.What is on offer?

• Up to £80,000, depending on experience.
• Technically challenging, bespoke automation projects.
• International travel, including assignments in the USA and Canada.
• Generous daily living allowance while travelling.
• Good-quality accommodation for site assignments.
• Additional payment for Saturday site work.
• Private healthcare for you, your partner and your children following probation.
• Contributory pension scheme following probation.
• 21 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Additional holiday entitlement for long service.
• Spot bonuses and awards for exceptional contributions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Uniform and PPE.
• Genuine opportunities for technical development and career progression.
• Early finish every Friday.

Working hours

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
• Friday: 8:00am-2:00pm

Longer hours may occasionally be required when travelling or commissioning machinery at customer sites.The role is based between Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. Applicants must live within a realistic commuting distance or be prepared to relocate.Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available.If you are an experienced Controls and Robotics Engineer looking for ownership, technical variety and the opportunity to deliver automation projects around the world, apply today.