Lead Robotics Engineer

Location: UK (Hybrid / On-site as required)
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing / Robotics / Additive Manufacturing

About the Company
A pioneering pre-seed startup developing bespoke robotic systems for large-scale metal additive manufacturing. Their patented Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process combines advanced robotics, sensing, and in-house software to print complex metal structures at industrial scale.

They are entering an exciting growth phase and are now looking for a Lead Robotics Engineer to drive the design, integration, and optimisation of their robotic printing systems.

The Role
As Lead Robotics Engineer, you’ll be responsible for developing, building, and commissioning robotic systems capable of 3D printing large metal parts using the company’s proprietary WAAM process. You’ll own projects end-to-end, from system design and programming to integration with custom print software and sensing systems.

You’ll also help shape the technical roadmap and lead R&D projects, including the integration of scanning, adaptive control, and in-situ repair capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, build, and commissioning of robotic WAAM cells and control systems.

• Integrate industrial robots (ABB, FANUC, etc.) with in-house software platforms.

• Design and develop bespoke robotic tooling and deposition heads for metal 3D printing.

• Implement process monitoring and feedback control for precision and consistency.

• Integrate 3D scanning and sensing for adaptive geometry repair and quality assurance.

• Lead collaborative R&D projects with external partners and funding bodies.

• Manage testing, validation, and documentation of robotic systems.

• Support IP, patents, and new product development.

• Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices in robotics and automation.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related discipline.

• Proven experience in industrial robotics design, integration, and programming.

• Strong knowledge of ABB or FANUC robot programming and safety systems.

• Experience in advanced manufacturing, welding automation, or additive processes.

• Hands-on mechanical design and prototyping (SolidWorks or similar).

• Ability to deliver complex systems in fast-moving environments.

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience in WAAM, DED, or other metal additive manufacturing methods.

• Familiarity with wire-fed arc processes, sensors, and feedback control.

• Understanding of metallurgical behaviour in additive processes.

• Experience with 3D scanning, metrology, or vision systems.

• Exposure to startup or research-led engineering environments.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to take ownership of core robotic systems and shape the technology roadmap.

• Work at the intersection of robotics, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials.

• Competitive salary with early-stage equity potential.

• Collaborative startup culture backed by industry and government partnerships.