Graduate Automation Engineer

Graduate Automation EngineerLocation: Barnsley

Salary: £40,000 £5,400 car allowance

Shift:Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Graduate Automation Engineer to join a well-established UK manufacturing business based in Barnsley.

As the business continues to invest heavily in automation, robotics, capital equipment and new technology, this is an excellent opportunity for a graduate engineer to play a key role in modernising manufacturing operations and delivering practical improvements across a complex production environment.

Working closely with manufacturing, engineering and operational teams, you will gain exposure to robotics, automation, PLC systems, process optimisation and continuous improvement, while taking responsibility for projects that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, quality and productivity.

The Role

You will be involved in identifying, developing and implementing automation opportunities across manufacturing operations.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and delivering opportunities to automate manufacturing processes.
• Supporting the installation, commissioning and integration of robotic and automated systems.
• Developing and optimising robot programs and PLC-controlled processes.
• Supporting automation and capital investment projects from concept through to implementation.
• Carrying out cost-benefit analysis to support investment decisions.
• Analysing manufacturing data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Applying Lean and continuous improvement methodologies to production processes.
• Working with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, quality and manufacturing capability.
• Supporting the introduction of new technologies and processes across the manufacturing environment.
• Helping to develop cell layouts, material flows and manufacturing processes.

About You

This role would suit a recent graduate or early-career engineer with a degree in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Ideally, you will have an interest in applying automation and robotics in a practical manufacturing environment, together with a willingness to learn and develop your technical skills.

You will ideally have knowledge or exposure to:

• APQP and PFMEA.
• Six Sigma and Statistical Process Control.
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manufacturing process design, cell layout and material flow.
• Project management and delivery of engineering projects.
• CAD software, ideally AutoCAD.
• Robotics, PLCs and industrial automation.

Key Skills

• Strong analytical, fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Good organisational and project management ability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with manufacturing and engineering teams.
• A practical, hands-on approach to problem solving.
• A genuine interest in new technology and automation.
• The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new manufacturing processes and technologies.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on delivering measurable results.

A full UK driving licence, as occasional travel to other manufacturing sites will be required.

Benefits

• £40,000 starting salary
• £5,400 annual car allowance
• Permanent opportunity with a well-established UK manufacturing business.
• Exposure to robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing technology.
• Opportunity to work on significant capital investment and automation projects.
• Strong development opportunity for a graduate or early-career engineer.
• The chance to make a tangible impact on manufacturing efficiency, quality and productivity.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate engineer looking to build a career in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing, gaining hands‑on experience with robotics, PLCs, process improvement and major engineering projects.

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