Liam Whitby

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.

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.

Bachelor of Computing (Honours) in Electronic Route – Open University (2030)

HNC Level 4 in General Engineering – Burton & South Derbyshire College (2017)