Automation Engineer

A multi-million-dollar aerospace manufacturing company has recently opened a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility and is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to play a key role in shaping the future of its manufacturing operations. This position supports complex CNC machining within a high-mix, low-volume environment supplying critical aerospace and defence programs.

This is not a role where you sit behind a desk waiting for projects to land on your lap. This is an opportunity to step into a growing operation where engineering drives real change on the shop floor. You’ll work directly with operators, supervisors, and leadership to identify challenges, uncover inefficiencies, and implement practical, data-driven solutions that improve performance across the facility.

The company is heavily investing in the future of the site, actively funding CAPEX projects, automation initiatives, and operational improvements. As the facility continues to evolve, you’ll have the opportunity to influence processes, modernise manufacturing systems, and leave a visible mark on how the operation grows.

Engineering here has direct visibility to leadership, and career progression is driven by impact, innovation, and leadership ability, not years of tenure. High performers are actively promoted into leadership positions, with long-term pathways into Manufacturing Leadership and Operations Management. At senior leadership and VP levels, the company also offers highly lucrative stock option opportunities tied directly to company performance and growth.

One of the biggest advantages of this role is the ability to make immediate, measurable improvements within operations while helping build the culture, processes, and manufacturing strategy of a rapidly growing aerospace facility.

What’s in It for You as a Automation Engineer?

• Clear progression path into Manufacturing Management and Operations Leadership.
• High-visibility role with direct exposure to senior leadership and operational decision-making.
• Opportunity to help shape a brand-new aerospace manufacturing facility during a major growth phase.
• Work on impactful CAPEX and automation projects designed to improve manufacturing performance.
• Ability to drive real operational change by identifying bottlenecks, solving problems, and implementing improvements. Opportunity to work closely with operators and leadership to build smarter, more efficient manufacturing processes.
• Long-term leadership growth opportunities with performance-based progression.
• Lucrative long-term earning potential through leadership and executive-level stock option programs.

What You Need to Bring as a Automation Engineer:

• Experience supporting CNC machining or precision manufacturing operations within a production environment.
• Strong process improvement, troubleshooting, and operational problem-solving experience.
• Ability to analyse manufacturing data, identify trends, and implement practical solutions to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Experience working directly with operators and supervisors to reduce downtime, improve workflow, and support production goals.
• Hands-on engineering mindset with the ability to think outside the box and solve real manufacturing challenges.
• Ability to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
• Experience supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations rather than purely project-based engineering work.

Nice-to-Haves for the Automation Engineer

• Aerospace & Defence manufacturing experience.
• Exposure to automation systems, robotics, or manufacturing integration projects.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with multi-axis CNC machining, grinding operations, or mill-turn environments.
• Exposure to PLCs, automation vendors, or factory automation technologies.

The Opportunity for the Automation Engineer

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys being highly visible on the shop floor, solving operational challenges in real time, and driving measurable manufacturing improvements. The company is looking for someone who thrives in an environment where they can influence change, challenge existing processes, and help build a smarter, more efficient manufacturing operation.

You’ll be joining the business at an exciting stage of growth, where investment is being made into people, technology, automation, and operational excellence. If you enjoy working with people, solving problems, using data to drive decisions, and seeing the direct results of your work, this is a rare opportunity to make a genuine impact within a rapidly expanding aerospace manufacturing environment.

If you would like to have a confidential chat, please contact Rabeel Imrane; Rabeel.imrane@rps-recruitment.com, 1 626 630 8659.