Systems Engineering Manager - Robotics & Automation

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MetLase provides bespoke engineering solutions to complex problems where precision and speed of deployment are critical. Using patented techniques developed within the Aerospace sector, MetLase technologies are now being applied across multiple manufacturing industries such as automotive, construction, defence, energy and renewables.

As a key enabler to our innovation and growth plans, MetLase is seeking a dynamic and experienced Robotics and Automation Systems Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge robotic systems and automation solutions. In this role, you will oversee project execution, ensuring alignment with company goals and industry standards. You will mentor engineers, foster innovation, and collaborate across teams to drive the successful integration of automation technologies. You will be responsible for establishing the Product and Technology Roadmaps to deliver compelling innovation and business USPs. This will involve the identification and down-selection of key technologies that can be integrated to form overall system solutions.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Supporting Business Development quotations by developing customer engineering solution concepts that meet the requirements, provide value for money and deliver on our USPs.
• Actively working on engineering projects, carrying out design work and creating engineering solutions
• Providing technical leadership to design engineers, taking technical responsibility and oversight of their projects, and where necessary obtaining the appropriate technical support and approvals to ensure the requirements of the engineering solutions are met
• Leading the delivery of the engineering projects
• Driving the performance and efficiency of technical programmes to agreed KPIs and Metrics.
• Following and driving adherence to business processes and methods to provide robust and resilient activities.
• Driving the standards of engineering excellence and world-class problem solving, building a high performance team.
• Working closely with the Head of Innovation & R&D and the Chief Engineer to solve some of the most challenging problems for customers, in the most efficient and effective way.
• Support the technical devolvement of the wider team, via mentoring, informal and/or formal training.
• Leading the technical selection and management of suppliers and key delivery partners.

Candidates will hold a relevant engineering degree and/or have equivalent experience in the robotics & automation field. A post-graduation Masters or PhD level qualification would be advantageous but is not essential. Ongoing professional development (CPD) and professional accreditations will be supported and encouraged. The Systems Engineering Manager is a value-stream leader for MetLase and as a result, a key requirement for the role holder is to maintain and enhance their expertise. The role is expected to: keep abreast of latest developments in fields of automation and robotics; have an understanding of potential emerging technical threats within their specialism; and use their expertise to highlight new commercial opportunities for the business that may emerge.

Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and Competencies:

• Be recognised as a technical expert within robotics and automation systems engineering
• Have a minimum of 7 years of proven industrial experience
• Experience of integrating and working with leading technology suppliers (e.g. Siemens, Mitsubishi, ABB, KUKA, FESTO)
• Show a demonstrable track-record of implementing safety systems within automation and robotics production solutions
• Proven experience with systems engineering methodology, processes and tools, including requirements management, technical specifications, verification and validation plan, FMEAs and control plans
• Experience of process design, layout, line balance and materials flow and handling
• Demonstrate understanding and experience of identifying and meeting required standards, compliance and conformance
• Experience of appropriate simulation and modelling tools and techniques
• Ability to lead, implement and adopt roadmaps that define the technical and innovation direction of MetLase' Robotics and Automation solutions
• Hands-on experience designing, building and commissioning industrial automation solutions to meet customer and legal compliance requirements
• Experience in utilising and integrating a broad range of digital control technologies such as: advanced PLC, NodeRed, SCADA, or MES systems
• Strong expertise in the control of industrial automation hardware, such as pneumatics or servo motors
• Hands-on Control Panel design and build experience to the relevant standards is highly desirable
• Demonstrable experience off-line and on-line programming of industrial robots
• Ability to technically lead the robotics and automation aspects of complex engineering projects, while supporting the wider project team to ensure on-time delivery
• Able to communicate your subject clearly and with authority at a level suitable for the audience, be it an informal 1-on-1 discussion, internal presentation, pitch to a customer or external technical conference
• The ability to inspire and support others to increase their proficiency within the areas of automation and robotics
• A high degree of initiative and strong problem-solving capability, with a logical and technically defensible thought process.
• The ability to work independently and contribute effectively as a member of a high-performance team.
• Experience/background of a high standard of communication across all levels of the business and externally
• Having experience of robotics solutions for welding, machining, cutting, bonding and/or complex assembly is highly desirable.

A full UK driving license is required as the Systems Engineering Manager will be required to visit and interact with customers for design reviews. The role holder may also be required to present at technical conferences, shows or sales meetings. From time-to-time the role will be expected to work at customer sites or facilities to support the installation and commissioning of equipment.