Project Engineer: Robotics & Automation Systems

Reference
1110381

Branch
University of Warwick

Start date
20/04/2026

Duration
Other - See Job

Hours and days
36.5 hours per week

Dress code
Smart Casual

Rate of pay
£12.83

Holiday rate
£1.55

Role

About the role:

This paid internship is part of the WMG Internship Programme and is hosted by Samworth Brothers, a leading UK food manufacturer. As part of the company’s five-year automation and digitalisation strategy, this role focuses on helping the company to define, assess the feasibility, visualise and implement robotic automation projects in the Food-to-Go (FTG) factories.

You’ll work directly with our Automation Project Manager, production teams, and WMG supervisors to conduct structured assessments, develop 3D simulations, and support the implementation planning of high-impact automation projects, such as robotic cells, AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), palletising robots, cobots, and more.

It is desirable that the candidate is eligible to work in the UK for next 2 years without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

The internship is based at the company's sites:

Ashton Green (5 Bennion Road, Leicester, LE4 2AD) and Madeline Road (Madeline Road, Leicester, LE4 1WX) – both located in Beaumont Leys, Leicester.

You will be working closely with the Samworth Brothers team, gaining first-hand experience. As part of the Programme, you will also benefit from weekly supervision and support by WMG experts throughout the duration of the project.

This internship will benefit/improve your skills in

• Simulating and developing factory environments & automation/robotics concepts
• Automation Maturity Assessment & Feasibility studies methodology
• Real-world experience of working in food manufacturing and processes
• Project management, communication, and team collaboration in industrial environments

About the company:

Samworth Brothers is a food company employing more than 12,500 people. They manufacture more than a billion products each year, with customers including major supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitality venues, workplaces, and travel outlets. With a turnover of £1.6bn, Samworth Brothers has sites all over the UK, including Leicestershire, Cornwall, East Sussex, Manchester, and Bristol. They produce an extensive range of quality foods, from sandwiches, prepared meals, and savoury pastries to salads, cooked meats, sausages, and the iconic malt loaf.

Duties and responsibilities

You will lead projects which will focus on conducting baseline maturity assessments at Samworth Brothers sites and developing 3D factory layouts for key areas. Using simulation software, Interns will explore future-state automation concepts (e.g. AMRs, palletisers, cobots, humanoids), validate spatial integration, and generate visual outputs to support decision-making. Main activities will include:

• Capture key production area data (dimensions, flows, constraints), focusing on specific production areas e.g. wrap rolling, weighing, spreading, skilleting, packing EOL, Ingredient Placement, Bread Intake, to inform automation scoping.
• Produce automation specifications and project management documentation,
• Assess automation opportunities focusing on specific production areas as mentioned above, and prioritise the opportunities by discussing with stakeholders                                                                         
• Develop/update 3D factory layouts using simulation software (Visual Components) for prioritised projects                                                                                                      
• Preparation/update current state layout and 2 validated/feasible “future state” 3D layouts (2027 & 2030)
• Support with (layout, visuals, and rationale) definition of shortlisted automation projects (2 per site)                                                                                                                                                                                 

Skills and experience

ESSENTIAL:

1. Student or graduate in Robotic/Automation/Manufacturing Systems engineering or a similar field, or equivalent experience
2. Demonstrable Interest in a manufacturing environment and Robotic/Automation processes
3. Familiarity with Simulation approach and Factory Automation & Simulation tools
4. Familiarity with terminologies related to automation, robotics and lean manufacturing and be able to understand and communicate with key stakeholders such as directors and staff at all levels
5. Ability to learn new tools effectively, plan and take initiatives without constant supervision or direct instruction (Self-starter/leadership)
6. Able to deliver effective presentations, documentation, and information templates for staff at all levels
7. Able to commute to the client location every working day
8. Work as a good team player

DESIRABLE

1. Simulation Experience in Visual Components (or other 3D modelling and simulation tools)
2. Experience in conducting feasibility studies and automation maturity assessment
3. Experience of working in manufacturing environments (i.e. Food Industries)
4. Experience in implementing automation projects in Food Industries

Location
Ashton Green (5 Bennion Road, Leicester, LE4 2AD) and Madeline Road (Madeline Road, Leicester, LE4 1WX) – both located in Beaumont Leys, Leicester.

Additional information

• Start and end date: April 2026 for 12 week period
• Deadline to apply: Wednesday 8th April 26.
• Please provide a CV and cover letter with your application.

Please note upon applying for this role you are consenting to your contact details being shared directly with the hiring manager.

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