Automation Process Engineer
Surface Transforms Plc
Date: 2 weeks ago
City: Kirkby, England
Salary:
£45,000
-
£55,000
per year
Contract type: Full time
Who Are We
Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use. Surface Transforms' unique patented Carbon-Ceramic technology provides the ultimate braking performance for road and track.
Here at Surface Transforms passion is at the heart of our brand. As a team we refuse to accept the impossible. We know that impossible only means that we haven’t found the solution yet. Your role at Surface Transforms is yours to steer - toward opportunities and away from risks. You have the power to shape your role and we cannot wait to see where you take us and we’ll take pride in supporting the future you chose to build at Surface Transforms.
We are looking for a technically capable and delivery-focused Automation Process Engineer to lead the development, deployment, and optimisation of automation and digital systems across manufacturing operations. This role will be central in enabling Surface Transforms' digital transformation — enhancing productivity, traceability, and quality through innovative tools such as cobots, robotics, barcode/data scanning, and smart workflow technologies. This engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to specify, trial, and embed solutions that streamline operations and support our long-term strategic objectives of cost control, quality improvement, and scalable growth.
What you’ll be doing as our Automation Process Engineer:
Automation & Digital Deployment
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 2.30pm
Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use. Surface Transforms' unique patented Carbon-Ceramic technology provides the ultimate braking performance for road and track.
Here at Surface Transforms passion is at the heart of our brand. As a team we refuse to accept the impossible. We know that impossible only means that we haven’t found the solution yet. Your role at Surface Transforms is yours to steer - toward opportunities and away from risks. You have the power to shape your role and we cannot wait to see where you take us and we’ll take pride in supporting the future you chose to build at Surface Transforms.
We are looking for a technically capable and delivery-focused Automation Process Engineer to lead the development, deployment, and optimisation of automation and digital systems across manufacturing operations. This role will be central in enabling Surface Transforms' digital transformation — enhancing productivity, traceability, and quality through innovative tools such as cobots, robotics, barcode/data scanning, and smart workflow technologies. This engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to specify, trial, and embed solutions that streamline operations and support our long-term strategic objectives of cost control, quality improvement, and scalable growth.
What you’ll be doing as our Automation Process Engineer:
Automation & Digital Deployment
- Identify, specify, and implement automation solutions including robotic arms, cobots, barcode scanners, basket cell masters, and vision systems
- Drive Industry 4.0 principles with digital tools and digital connectivity at the process level
- Act as the go-to engineer for automation initiatives within production processes
- Work closely with process owners, quality, and operations to evaluate automation opportunities
- Conduct risk assessments (PUWER, CE marking) for automation systems
- Develop and manage supporting documentation (SOPs, PFMEAs, training content)
- Analyse downtime and throughput data to identify opportunities for automation or workflow enhancement
- Implement Lean principles through digital means
- Lead or support cross-functional Kaizen and CI events focused on automation-enabled gains
- Collaborate with process engineering and production teams to integrate automation into new product lines from concept stage
- Ensure new digital systems are scalable and robust ahead of volume ramp-up
- Drive automation elements of the Flawless Launch framework (on-time, on-cost, RFT)
- Degree (or equivalent) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related discipline
- Hands-on experience with industrial automation in a production environment
- Familiarity with cobots, robotics integration, barcode/RFID systems, or PLC-controlled devices
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and digital enablement of factory processes
- Exposure to data systems integration (e.g. MES, SCADA, or IIoT platforms)
- Experience with UR, Fanuc, ABB or similar robotic platforms
- Background in high-performance or regulated industries (automotive, aerospace, medical)
- Awareness of safety and compliance standards related to automation (PUWER, CE)
- Accountability
- Trouble shooting
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Independent thinking and working and problem solving skills
- Attractive salary
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank holidays
- Extra day Annual Leave for your birthday
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Death in service scheme
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 2.30pm
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