Senior Machine Build Engineer
CV-LibraryPortsmouth, ENG, GBpermanentPosted: 29 July 2026
Apply NowAre you an experienced Machine Build Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechanical Fitter or Electro-Mechanical Engineer looking for your next challenge?
Do you enjoy building bespoke automation equipment from the ground up, working closely with design engineers and seeing your work progress from concept through to commissioning?
We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Senior Machine Build Engineer to join their Automation team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design, build and commissioning of bespoke automated manufacturing equipment that supports cutting-edge production technology.
What's the role all about?
As a Senior Machine Build Engineer, you'll take a leading role in building and commissioning special purpose automation machinery used within a high-tech manufacturing environment.
Working alongside Mechanical, Electrical, Controls and Software Engineers, you'll build complex automated systems from engineering drawings, assist with machine development and play a key role in machine proving and commissioning before release into production.
This is a varied, hands-on engineering role where no two projects are the same.
Key responsibilities
Build bespoke automation and special purpose machinery from engineering drawings
Assemble complex mechanical sub-assemblies to high precision standards
Carry out electrical cabinet wiring, machine hard wiring and electrical testing
Install and configure pneumatic systems and associated control equipment
Work closely with Design Engineers on new automation and R&D projects
Assist with machine proving, testing and commissioning activities
Support Software Engineers during machine sequencing and commissioning
Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and pneumatic faults
Lead specific machine build projects from assembly through to final handover
Work to project deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality standards
Maintain accurate build documentation and support ERP processes
Promote safe working practices and maintain high housekeeping standards
What you'll need
To succeed in this role, you'll bring:
Proven experience building special purpose machinery or factory automation equipment
Strong mechanical assembly and machine fitting experience
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly drawings and GD&T
Experience with electro-mechanical assembly
Electrical wiring, terminating and fault-finding experience
Good understanding of pneumatic systems
Experience with manual workshop machinery including mills, lathes and grinders
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
Desirable
Experience working with PLC-controlled machinery
Knowledge of motion control systems, sensors and vision systems
Machine commissioning and validation experience
Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) knowledge
Root Cause Analysis experience
Experience using ERP systems such as IFS
HNC/HND or Apprenticeship in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
About you
You're an experienced engineer who enjoys taking ownership of complex machine builds and solving technical challenges.
You'll be:
Hands-on and technically capable
Detail-focused with high-quality workmanship
A proactive problem solver
Comfortable working to project deadlines
A collaborative team player
Passionate about automation and engineering innovation
Why join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing engineering business investing heavily in automation, technology and advanced manufacturing.
You'll work on bespoke machinery, collaborate with experienced design and software engineers, and play a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions that support world-class manufacturing.
Benefits
Competitive salary
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Additional 3 days off over the festive period
Company bonus scheme
Company pension
Life Assurance (3x salary)
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Ongoing training and career development
Interested?
If you're an experienced Machine Build Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechanical Fitter, Electro-Mechanical Engineer or Commissioning Engineer looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Kingdom People are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy
Do you enjoy building bespoke automation equipment from the ground up, working closely with design engineers and seeing your work progress from concept through to commissioning?
We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Senior Machine Build Engineer to join their Automation team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on the design, build and commissioning of bespoke automated manufacturing equipment that supports cutting-edge production technology.
What's the role all about?
As a Senior Machine Build Engineer, you'll take a leading role in building and commissioning special purpose automation machinery used within a high-tech manufacturing environment.
Working alongside Mechanical, Electrical, Controls and Software Engineers, you'll build complex automated systems from engineering drawings, assist with machine development and play a key role in machine proving and commissioning before release into production.
This is a varied, hands-on engineering role where no two projects are the same.
Key responsibilities
Build bespoke automation and special purpose machinery from engineering drawings
Assemble complex mechanical sub-assemblies to high precision standards
Carry out electrical cabinet wiring, machine hard wiring and electrical testing
Install and configure pneumatic systems and associated control equipment
Work closely with Design Engineers on new automation and R&D projects
Assist with machine proving, testing and commissioning activities
Support Software Engineers during machine sequencing and commissioning
Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and pneumatic faults
Lead specific machine build projects from assembly through to final handover
Work to project deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality standards
Maintain accurate build documentation and support ERP processes
Promote safe working practices and maintain high housekeeping standards
What you'll need
To succeed in this role, you'll bring:
Proven experience building special purpose machinery or factory automation equipment
Strong mechanical assembly and machine fitting experience
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly drawings and GD&T
Experience with electro-mechanical assembly
Electrical wiring, terminating and fault-finding experience
Good understanding of pneumatic systems
Experience with manual workshop machinery including mills, lathes and grinders
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
Desirable
Experience working with PLC-controlled machinery
Knowledge of motion control systems, sensors and vision systems
Machine commissioning and validation experience
Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) knowledge
Root Cause Analysis experience
Experience using ERP systems such as IFS
HNC/HND or Apprenticeship in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
About you
You're an experienced engineer who enjoys taking ownership of complex machine builds and solving technical challenges.
You'll be:
Hands-on and technically capable
Detail-focused with high-quality workmanship
A proactive problem solver
Comfortable working to project deadlines
A collaborative team player
Passionate about automation and engineering innovation
Why join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing engineering business investing heavily in automation, technology and advanced manufacturing.
You'll work on bespoke machinery, collaborate with experienced design and software engineers, and play a key role in delivering innovative automation solutions that support world-class manufacturing.
Benefits
Competitive salary
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Additional 3 days off over the festive period
Company bonus scheme
Company pension
Life Assurance (3x salary)
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Ongoing training and career development
Interested?
If you're an experienced Machine Build Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechanical Fitter, Electro-Mechanical Engineer or Commissioning Engineer looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Kingdom People are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy