Liam Whitby
Engineer blending software, ML, and automation to deliver efficient, scalable solutions.
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About
Engineer with 10+ years of experience in automation, robotics, and control systems, now specialising in development, machine learning, and data-driven solutions. Strong background in PLC/SCADA systems, embedded technologies, and industrial IoT, combined with academic experience in ML model development, data analysis, and rapid prototyping. Skilled at translating real-world problems into analytical and software-based solutions, building scalable prototypes, and delivering high-quality technical implementations.
Experience
Automation Engineer – Automation & Robotics at GROB Machine Tools U.K., Ltd. (2023-10 – Present)
- Delivered commissioning of automated battery assembly lines customers being Ford, JLR, Mercedes, and BMW.
- Developed and validated PLC, robotics, and safety system logic across Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff IPCs, and KUKA robots.
- Executed system testing, dry cycles, fault simulation, and performance validation.
- Commissioned HV measurement/testing stations ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Supported FAT/SAT activities, resolving software and hardware issues under tight deadlines.
Controls Engineer at Gebhardt Intralogistics (2021-10 – 2023-10)
- Commissioned conveyor systems, motion control, scanners, and safety devices.
- Validated PLC logic, HMI functionality, and WMS communication.
- Performed diagnostics across OPC, TCP/IP, and UDP networks.
- Delivered customer training and system handover.
Engineer – Covid Pandemic at Warburtons (2020-05 – 2021-10)
- Developed automated SAP reporting tools using VBA.
- Mentored engineers in PLC programming and automation.
- Built diagnostic tools to improve fault analysis.
- Developed IoT-based monitoring systems using Python and MQTT.
Automation Engineer at Hydro Extrusion UK (2019-02 – 2020-02)
- Commissioned SCADA/HMI systems for furnaces and casting processes.
- Performed PID tuning, process validation, and performance testing.
- Conducted functional testing and fault diagnosis.
Maintenance & Controls Engineer at Toyota Manufacturing UK (2012-09 – 2018-05)
- Conducted equipment audits and root cause analysis.
- Modernised legacy PLC systems and implemented new HMI solutions.
- Collaborated with production teams to minimise downtime.
Education
Bachelor of Computing (Honours) in Electronic Route – Open University (2030)
HNC Level 4 in General Engineering – Burton & South Derbyshire College (2017)