Manufacturing Engineer - Automation

Amphenol Corporation; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Whitstable seeks an experienced individual to support its Manufacturing Engineering Team. You will play a pivotal role in developing processes and improving production with a focus on automation. The ideal candidate has a BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least 5 years of experience. The role offers competitive benefits including life assurance, employee assistance programs, and a subsidized restaurant.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Company Sick Pay

Cycle to Work Scheme

Subsidised Restaurant

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Currently holds or is working towards Chartered/Incorporated Engineer status.
• 5+ years of practical experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in product/process design and development activity.
• Determine process performance to project requirement.
• Investigate quality and production issues.
• Support internal and external audits including ISO 9001 and AS9100.
• Liaise with supplier quality representatives to address quality concerns.

Skills

Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office packages

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings

Experience using 3D CAD software (Site preference Creo)

Experience with MRP/ERP systems such as SAP

Basic familiarity with industrial control concepts

Understanding of aerospace standards

Education

Level 6 / BEng level qualification in Mechanical Engineering

Level 7 / MEng Degree or equivalent higher-level education

Tools

PDM/document control tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Amphenol Ltd - Whitstable, Thanet Way, Whitstable, Kent, United Kingdom

Job Description

Posted Friday 7 November 2025 at 06:00

The Company

With innovation and engineering at the heart of our business, Amphenol Ltd (ALTD) has been at the forefront of using the latest technologies and practices for over 50 years to meet the needs of interconnection in a variety of applications. As part of the Amphenol Corporation – a leading global interconnect Fortune 500 specialist company, ALTD is continuing to grow and significantly investing in the future.

Based in Whitstable Kent, ALTD has maintained its status as a market leader in the Aerospace and Military industries and growth targets remain on track as part of our strategic plan. With c230 employees across a wide range of disciplines, our end‑to‑end manufacturing capabilities provide endless opportunities for our employees to grow their career and professional experiences.

More information on the job vacancy you have selected is available below, however if you have any additional questions please contact the HR Department on 01227 773200 or e‑mail [e-mail]:

The Vacancy

Purpose of the role

To support the Manufacturing Engineering Team Leader and Manufacturing Engineering team, whilst playing an active role in supporting customer requirements, product/process development and production improvement with a growing focus on automation.

Duties and responsibilities

Participate in product/process design and development activity:

• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) projects and engineering change activity, delivering stable process design & technical insight.
• Support senior engineers in completion of product and process risk analyses (e.g. DFMEA, PFMEA).
• Identify appropriate process and equipment solutions and configure/deliver into factory.
• Arrange and perform pre‑production / prototype build exercises.
• Design & prove out effective tooling and gauging as required.
• Support identification and specification of automation solutions to improve safety, throughput, and quality, and where appropriate support their development and integration into production (examples include: robotics, PLC/HMI, vision, conveyors, assembly/test automation)
• Assist in automation ROI/cost‑benefit assessments and define key process metrics for automated cells.

Participate in product/process build and validation activity:

• Determine process performance to project requirement.
• Support in completion of PPAP deliverables.
• Follow established policies, procedures, and methods to verify product, material, and component quality.
• Ensure products meet design intent, are fit for function, and free from defects.
• Provide installation/commissioning support for automated equipment and assist in validation (test plans, acceptance criteria).

Support issue resolution for factory operations group (hot desk):

• Investigate quality and production issues; identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Access, interrogate, and maintain technical product data using a PDM system.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards.

Support internal and external audits, including ISO 9001 and AS9100:

• Assist in preparation and execution of audits.
• Identify areas for improvement in product and process quality and ensure appropriate actions are followed up.

Support supplier, process, and customer quality improvement activities:

• Liaise with supplier quality representatives to address quality concerns and verify effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Support root cause investigations of internal and external non‑conformances.
• Interface with customers to understand and resolve complaints or concerns.

General:

• Take part in continuous improvement initiatives as required.
• Carry out such other duties as may be reasonably requested.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 6 /BEng level qualification in Mechanical Engineering or Scientific subject
• Currently holds or working towards Chartered/Incorporated Engineer status and member of Professional Engineering Institution.

Experience

• 5 years minimum practical experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.

Technical

• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and documentation.
• Experience using 3D CAD software (Site preference Creo).
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Infor XA
• Experience using PDM/document control tools and facilitating engineering change processes.
• Basic familiarity with industrial control concepts (PLCs, HMIs, motors, sensors) and automation integration, fault finding and first line maintenance.

Skills and Competencies

• Familiarity with key APQP tools such as Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), FMEAs, Control Plans.
• Experience of tooling and fixture design / development.
• Understanding of Quality Management Systems (e.g. ISO 9001 and AS9100)
• Exposure to 8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, and similar root cause analysis tools.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical information to technical and non‑technical colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal and team working skills.
• Ability to manage self and work priority to meet project programme milestones.

Qualifications

• Level 7 / MEng Degree or equivalent higher‑level education in Engineering or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in an Engineering role.
• Experience in high volume manufacturing or assembly environments.
• Active participation and demonstrable ownership in APQP product launches.
• 1‑5 projects delivering automated workstations or lines in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming, basic HMI configuration, robotics integration (industrial or collaborative robots), and machine safety standards.

Technical

• Strong ability creating models, assemblies & drawings using CAD software.
• Understanding of electrical principles.
• Direct experience with PLCs, robotic cell integration, vision inspection systems, and commissioning machinery & automated equipment.

Skills and Competencies

• Understanding of aerospace standards including SABRe, AS13100 and AS9145.
• Able to lead supplier integrators, perform basic PLC logic troubleshooting, and produce automation project budgets and ROI analyses.

The Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company Sick Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Subsidised Restaurantfacility
• Free onsite parking

To be considered for this position please click the 'Apply now' button, and thank you for your interest in Amphenol LTD.

Amphenol Ltd - Whitstable, Thanet Way, Whitstable, Kent, United Kingdom