Development Engineer in Robotics and Automation

Opportunity Overview

The Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) is seeking an outstanding Development Engineer in Robotics and Automation. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and work at the interface of academia and industry, supporting SMEs and research partners in Greater Manchester and beyond. From industrial robot integration to humanoid robotics, machine vision and AI-assisted automation, you will design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge robotic and automation solutions across Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced mechatronic system design, supporting technical project delivery and collaborating with leading academics and industrial innovators.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

You will have:

• A Master's or PhD degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g. Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic Engineering, Applied Physics), or equivalent industrial experience.
• Practical experience in automation engineering, robotics integration, or mechatronic system development.
• Expertise in the design, development, and integration of robotic systems with sensors, vision systems, PLCs, and industrial control hardware.
• Strong track record of technical problem-solving and engineering project delivery.
• Excellent analytical, technical report writing, and communication skills.

This position will report to the Director of NERIC and will also be expected to engage with the wider project team. The Development Engineer will be expected to deliver outputs for the GMCA Industrial Strategy Zone, in particular working with SMEs in the Greater Manchester area.

About the School or About the Department

The Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), based at the University of Salford, brings together academia, industry and public-sector partners to accelerate innovation and business growth in Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials. Originally established around robotics and automation, NERIC has evolved into a broader innovation hub with expertise spanning robotics, automation, digital manufacturing, metrology, microfabrication, photonics, microsystems, semiconductor technologies and advanced materials. Its activities are aligned with Greater Manchester's Industrial Strategy priorities and focus on supporting SMEs and industrial partners through applied research, technology adoption, prototyping, testing and knowledge exchange. NERIC's Advanced Manufacturing portfolio includes robotic integration, automation and manufacturing process optimisation, while its Advanced Materials activities encompass microelectronics, photonics, sensors, semiconductor materials, nanotechnology and microsystems engineering. This breadth of capability allows the Development Engineer to draw on expertise from across the Centre, supporting research, training and commercial innovation activities throughout the region.

What's in it for you? 

This is a rare opportunity to shape applied robotics and automation engineering at the heart of Greater Manchester's advanced manufacturing sector. Working within NERIC, you will support SMEs and other partners tackling real industrial challenges in Robotics Integration, Industry 4.0, Digital Engineering and Mechatronic System Design - with your work feeding directly into the GMCA Industrial Strategy Zone and helping shape the region's growing reputation for digital and manufacturing innovation.

You will be backed by a genuinely rewarding package: a competitive salary and excellent pension, 32 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, and flexible working that supports real work-life balance. We invest in your growth through comprehensive professional development, and you will join a diverse, supportive community of Robotics, Automation and Advanced Manufacturing experts.

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