Senior Research Engineer (SRE)- Automation Transformation

Company: MTC – Manufacturing Technology Centre
Apply for the Senior Research Engineer (SRE)- Automation Transformation
Location: Liverpool
Job Description:

Automation Transformation, Senior Advisor (SRE)

The purpose of the Automation Transformation, Senior Advisor (SRE) role is to work with manufacturing business clients to understand the current state of their business and manufacturing operations, develop future state improvements, and create a strategy to achieve competitive advantage through transformation and the adoption of Automation and Robotics. The role guides businesses through the process of integrating robotics and automation solutions into their operations, facilitates collaboration with industrial integrators and other suppliers, and supports various Technology groups across the MTC.

Main Responsibilities

  • Lead projects with manufacturing clients.
  • Run client discovery workshops to identify information, systems requirements, and opportunities for adopting automation.
  • Use the MTC structured engagement process.
  • Lead client‑facing projects, including leading project teams comprising engineers from the Automation Transformation Team and other MTC technology groups.
  • Provide project and technical leadership of project team members.
  • Govern technical outcomes of projects.
  • Understand client problems and identify how MTC can support their resolution.
  • Identify appropriate automation technologies.
  • Use assessment tools to gauge a customer’s readiness to adopt automation.
  • Run workshops to identify automation/technology opportunities to support strategic growth.
  • Evaluate opportunities to define work packages with clear value propositions.
  • Develop pilot systems for automation projects.
  • Develop roadmaps that describe how to enhance a client’s capability.
  • Perform technical and administrative roles to ensure effective delivery of MTC’s business.

Essential Skills / Qualifications / Experience

  • Strong communication and presentation skills, comfortable communicating at all levels from operators to executive teams.
  • Highly developed problem‑solving skills and ability to apply these to complex, multi‑dimensional problems.
  • Experience guiding customers in the application of manufacturing best practice, processes, methodologies, and technologies.
  • Knowledge of automation and robotics technologies, business/manufacturing improvement techniques, operational efficiency improvement methods, business process re‑engineering, leadership and change management, coaching and mentoring, supply chain assessments, and Microsoft Office 365.
  • Backing experience in one or more engineering disciplines (manufacturing systems, mechanical, electrical, production, chemical, etc.) at a degree level.
  • Minimum 10 years of industry experience, including leadership and change management roles.
  • High level stakeholder management both internally and externally.
  • Willing to hold and maintain an appropriate security clearance.
  • Commercial and financial acuity.
  • Independent, self‑starter and completist.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and prioritize effectively.
  • Computer literate.
  • Experience in the manufacturing sector as a manufacturing engineer, manufacturing manager/director, or management consultant is essential.
  • Experience of manufacturing technology implementation projects is desirable.
  • Ability to organise and prioritise workload to meet deadlines, support governance of the MTC Project Management Process, and provide different perspectives to overcome challenges.

About The MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned research and development organisation that bridges the gap between academia and manufacturing. The MTC’s engineers, scientists and technicians work with advanced manufacturing equipment to develop and demonstrate new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers across sectors improve efficiency, capability and competitiveness. Supported by public sector investment, the MTC has world‑class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford and is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.

Reference Checks and Security Checks

Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references and appropriate security clearance checks.

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Posted: June 23rd, 2026