Automated Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Role Overview

This role is central to the organisation’s growth and strategic evolution within Industry 4.0. You will lead the conceptual design of high-level system architectures for next-generation automated manufacturing platforms, shaping the foundations of future smart factories.

You’ll play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation-ensuring today’s architectural decisions enable long-term operational excellence, scalability, and technological innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to influence major projects and contribute to cutting-edge manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the high-level design of manufacturing systems, integrating automation, data, and digital infrastructure in close collaboration with clients

• Define system boundaries, data flows, interfaces, and core functional components aligned with customer objectives and emerging industry standards

• Develop and specify system requirements and acceptance criteria, traceable to client goals and regulatory standards

• Use simulation and modelling tools to evaluate architectural options, performance scenarios, and capacity planning

• Validate designs through data-driven analysis to identify risks and optimise architectures before detailed engineering begins

• Engage stakeholders to understand future use cases, digital maturity, and long-term strategic needs

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure architectural alignment with strategic and technological capabilities

• Produce comprehensive architectural documentation, including:

  • System requirement specifications

  • Functional design diagrams

  • Risk assessments

• Continuously refine system assumptions and requirements as project scope and understanding evolve

• Contribute to enterprise initiatives focused on digital enablement and IT/OT integration within smart manufacturing

Essential Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering (or equivalent)

• 7+ years’ experience in systems architecture, automation strategy, or conceptual design of complex industrial systems

• Strong grounding in systems engineering principles, including:

  • Requirements development

  • Interface control

  • Risk management

• Proficiency with simulation tools (e.g. Plant Simulation or similar)

• Extensive knowledge of industrial automation technologies, including:

  • Robotics

  • PLCs

  • SCADA

  • MES

  • Data acquisition systems

• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g. OPC, Ethernet/IP)

• Familiarity with digital-physical integration layers, including MES, ERP, cloud platforms, and edge computing

• Solid understanding of Industry 4.0, Digital Twin concepts, and smart factory frameworks

• Practical experience applying Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement at a system level

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Project)

• A strategic mindset with the ability to simplify complex concepts and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience contributing to enterprise digital transformation initiatives

• Knowledge of AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics in manufacturing environments

• Prior involvement in large-scale or global automation projects