Your role

The Process Engineering Manager will lead a team of engineers and technicians in transforming our high-volume, high-variety manufacturing operation from manual and semi-automated processes toward progressively autonomous production. The role will drive operational excellence through the design, deployment and management of flexible automation, robotics, digital manufacturing systems and AI-enabled, data-driven process improvements. Delivering scalable solutions that reduce waste, improve process capability, reduce manual touch-time and increase labour productivity across all production areas.

Your day-to-day

• Strategy & Project Management

  • Own and accelerate the business's automation roadmap, aligned with business objectives, defining a phased path from manual to semi-automated, highly automated and ultimately autonomous operation, with clear milestones. 
  • Identify, prioritise and build business cases for opportunities to automate manual processes, using data to target the highest return.
  • Design flexible, reconfigurable automation capable of handling high product variety with minimal changeover. 
  • Deliver automation CAPEX projects to scope, time and budget, managing system integrators and suppliers and leading build-versus-buy decisions. 

  Digital Manufacturing, Data & AI

  • Lead and support the digital manufacturing initiatives, including MES, machine connectivity, data infrastructure and integration with ERP, planning and scheduling systems.
  • Identify and deploy AI-enabled solutions where they deliver measurable value, such as vision-based inspection, predictive maintenance, process optimisation and closed-loop process control. 
  • Use production data and analytics (OEE, downtime, SPC, yield) to drive decisions and to prioritise automation investment. 
  • Build the team's data, software and AI capability through coaching, training and targeted partnerships.

  Health, Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure process compliance with health, safety and environmental legislative standards.
  • Support safe equipment design and installation practices, applying machinery safety standards and risk assessment process.

  Leadership and Management

  • Collaborate with the Operations Leadership Team discussions and decision-making, establishing clear strategies and actionable plans that deliver functional targets, operational excellence, and sustainable business results.
  • Lead the operations teams through automation-driven change, communicating clearly and involving colleagues in the transition.

  Continuous Improvement

  • Be key contributor to a culture of continuous improvement, actively researching emerging technologies and participating in strategic initiatives.
  • Apply strong working knowledge of PLC and HMI programming, robotics, machine vision sensors, drives, motors, pneumatics, SCADA and electro-mechanical systems in support of automation initiatives.
  • Recommend, innovate and implement revised methods and processes to increase productivity and quality, reducing labour content per unit in line with business objectives.
  • Take the lead role in ensuring any process change is carried out in a controlled manner through the Management of Change process.

  Leading Company Standards 

  • Support Operations in driving improvements in 5S and company housekeeping standards.
  • Take a leading role in continuing our LEAN journey. 
  • Establish and maintain process SOP’s and relevant quality standards ensuring control and adherence within the manufacturing environment.
  • Ensure that the benchmarks of Operational Excellence form the basis of all Process Engineering activities.  

• New Product Introduction

  • Working in collaboration with New Product Introduction teams, actively progress all New Product Introduction projects relative to your responsible product areas, ensuring project plans are created and updated in relation to processes and are effectively communicated.

Your skills and experience

• Essential 

  • Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechatronic or Manufacturing Engineering. 
  • 5 years’ experience in a Manufacturing Automation Engineering role. 
  • 3 years' experience of automation leadership experience. 
  • Demonstrable experience of developing & implementing automation and semi-automation in a production environment is essential. 
  • Experience of automation in a high-mix, high-volume environment (e.g. flexible cells, quick changeover, vision-guided robotics). 
  • Strong working knowledge of PLC and HMI programming, robotics, machine vision, drives, SCADA and industrial networks. 
  • Experience with MES implementation or integration. 
  • Working knowledge of industrial data connectivity and analytics (e.g. OPC UA, MQTT, SQL) and up-to-date knowledge of AI and machine learning applications in manufacturing, with evidence of applying at least one data-driven or AI-enabled solution. 
  • Experience delivering CAPEX projects. 
  • Knowledge of machinery safety standards and risk assessment for automated equipment. 
  • Proven experience of LEAN manufacturing, continuous improvement and business improvement tools and techniques, including FMEA, 8D, SMED and value stream mapping. 
  • Working knowledge of FMEA, 8D, SMED, value stream mapping and other lean tools.  
  • Hands-on Six Sigma experience and qualification is highly desirable. 
  • PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent project management qualification and/or relevant experience. 
  • Experience of working to stringent audited ISO quality standards. 

   

  Desirable 

  • Hands-on Six Sigma experience and qualification.  
  • Experience of unattended or highly automated, production.  
  • Simulation, digital twin and offline robot programming experience.  
  • Automated material handling experience (e.g. AMRs, automated storage and feeding).  
  • Scripting or data skills (e.g. Python, SQL, Power BI).  
  • Evidence of continuous learning in automation, data and AI (e.g. certifications, courses, industry involvement). 

   

  Personal Competencies 

  • Ability to lead, coach and develop an experienced team of engineers and technicians. 
  • Thorough understanding of manufacturing processes and procedures. 
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with an evidence-based approach to new technology. 
  • Strong analytical and statistical skills. 
  • Ability to lead change and bring people with you through a major transformation. 
  • Confident commercial awareness and business acumen. 
  • Ability to influence individuals and teams to achieve desired goals and objectives  
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills  
  • Effective team player 

Your compensation and benefits

At Atlas Copco Group, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation. Compensation is determined based on the position and its responsibilities, without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Our compensation offering is designed to be locally relevant, competitive, and aligned with the expectations of current and future talent. 

Beyond compensation, we believe that a rewarding career is about having opportunities to learn, grow, contribute, and develop in an environment built on trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement. At Atlas Copco Group, we support our people in building long-term careers while making a meaningful impact through their work.

Company Pension 

Death in Service 

Private medical cover 

Employee Assistance Programme including training mental health first aiders and on demand GP service 

Flexitime with a 1pm finish on a Friday  

Walker Thrive benefit platform 

EV car scheme 

Onsite gym for £4 per month 

Eye test vouchers and annual flu jab

Cycle to Work 

Will writing service 

Christmas savings 

Your location and working hours

This role requires you to work on-site at our office in Washington, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom (GB). You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face-to-face collaboration.

Why it is great to work with us

Your career grows through your skills, your curiosity, and the people you work with. You join a global network where we learn from each other and share knowledge openly. We focus on long‑term development and encourage you to explore new ideas that help us move forward. Innovation is part of how we think and act – we test, improve, and use what we learn to create solutions that matter. You can make a meaningful impact by contributing with your insights and taking ownership of your work, supported by flexible ways of working and leaders who empower you. 

Application process

Our selection process includes interviews and, for some roles, skills assessments that help us gain a deeper understanding of your profile. We look forward to getting to know you, learning about your strengths, and discussing how you can grow with us. If you have questions during the process or need support, please contact us:

Talent Acquisition: Rebecca Flory

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