Why Southco?
With over 80 years of engineering excellence and more than 5000 employees in 20 countries, Southco is a global leader for the manufacturing of engineered access solutions, products that you and thousands of others interact with every day. Our products form what we call "touch points", such as locks, latches, fasteners, hinges, handles and many other products that serve virtually hundreds of industries worldwide.
About the role
We're looking for a hands-on Automation Engineer to lead the design, build and improvement of robotics and automation across our Production and NPD areas. This is a practical, technically hands-on role — you'll spend as much time on the shop floor commissioning a PLC panel or building a test rig as you will scoping a larger robotics project with an external vendor.
You'll manage multiple robotics and automation projects across our European region, working closely with Production and NPD teams from initial business case through to full implementation — and you'll personally design, build and validate smaller assembly, test and validation stations in-house.
You'll be a champion for automation technology across the business — sharing your knowledge with peers and playing an active role in our Automation Business Process Network.
What you'll be doing
- Designing, building, and commissioning small-scale assembly, test and validation stations — electrical panel build, PLC programming, and mechanical design input
- Managing robotics and automation projects from concept to completion, with a strong focus on return on investment
- Diagnosing and resolving mechanical and electrical faults on automated equipment, drawing on hands-on maintenance-style troubleshooting skills
- Programming PLCs from scratch (Mitsubishi Q Series or equivalent major platforms) as well as maintaining and fault-finding on existing programs
- Leading vendor engagement on larger automation projects — writing RFQs, evaluating proposals, and managing vendors through FAT/SAT
- Building financial justifications, project plans, and documentation (PFMEA, OMS, layouts) to bring projects to life safely and effectively
- Applying automotive-industry quality principles (PFMEA, poka-yoke, part serialisation/traceability) to equipment and process design
- Supporting design and manufacturing engineers with DFA (Design for Assembly) and DFAA (Design for Automated Assembly) input
- Reviewing and approving engineering design changes
- Keeping your finger on the pulse of the latest developments in robotics and automation, and sharing that knowledge widely
What we're looking for
Essential
- A hands-on background in mechanical and/or electrical maintenance, or equivalent industry experience — you're comfortable getting hands dirty, not just specifying work for others
- Practical PLC experience — able to program from scratch and fault-find on existing programs. Mitsubishi Q Series preferred, but strong experience with any major platform (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron, etc.) is welcome
- Electrical qualification (e.g. qualified electrician / equivalent) with experience in an industrial or maintenance setting
- A solid mechanical skillset — comfortable with mechanical assembly, fault-finding, and fixture/tooling work
- Experience with robotics and larger-scale automation equipment
- A track record of delivering technical or capital projects, including working with external vendors
- Confident presenting to teams and stakeholders, including using PowerPoint
- A genuine passion for robotics and automation, and a drive to keep developing your own skills
Desirable
- Mechanical design capability (Siemens NX preferred, or equivalent CAD) — or a strong willingness to develop this on the job
- Working knowledge of SQL
- Understanding of PCBs — testing, fault-finding, and programming
- Familiarity with automotive industry quality requirements — IATF, APQP, PFMEA, poka-yoke, part serialisation/traceability (expert-level knowledge not required, but a working understanding is a strong plus)
- Six Sigma or Lean experience
- An engineering qualification (HNC or equivalent) plus at least 3 years' industry experience
So why join us
Southco employees enjoy an excellent work/life balance, globally competitive compensation, and global and local connections with colleagues from around world who share the same vision and passion. Being part of the Southco family means being part of a success story that spans for almost a century and is still being written by people just like you today.
At Southco our employees are at the heart of what we do, we’re a family and strive to maintain our culture.
Pay: From £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Life insurance
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- As part of our right-to-work verification process, please confirm whether you are a UK citizen, currently hold Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status in the United Kingdom.
Work Location: In person
