Employee perspectives - Kieran Bradley

I'm a Manufacturing Engineer and I optimise processes for a more sustainable future.

Exploring Renishaw through the graduate scheme

My role at Renishaw is part of the graduate manufacturing scheme, where I rotate through different areas of the business every six months. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain a wide perspective on how different divisions work. Currently, I'm based at the Stonehouse site, focusing on process optimisation, quality and cost reduction. Day-to-day, I work on ways to make our manufacturing more efficient, particularly through automation. Previously, I have had experience as a project engineer, process engineer, and section supervisor, supporting assembly. I'm now working with RAMTIC - Renishaw's Automated Mill Turn Inspection Centre - to drive process improvement within production.

During my two years at Renishaw, I've been involved in a variety of meaningful projects. My current goal is to look at how we can reduce scrap by changing our in-process control methods within the RAMTIC process. We use automation to check the dimensions of components, known as in-cycle gauging - and if a part fails, the process is automatically paused. By optimising how this is done, we're aiming to cut waste and reduce inspection costs.

Communication is key for innovation

One challenge I've faced in this role is managing collaboration across geographically separate teams. For example, at our manufacturing site in Miskin, South Wales, they run similar processes to what we do in Gloucestershire. While physical distance can make coordination more difficult, efficient communication has been key. We've established workflows to ensure we're sharing improvements across both teams, which strengthen consistency and performance.

Innovation is a core part of my role. As technology evolves, it's vital that we stay ahead by incorporating new tools into existing systems. AI and automation are areas that I'm especially excited about. We're exploring how these can be adapted to legacy systems like RAMTIC — proving that innovation doesn't always mean starting from scratch. It's often about finding better ways to use what we already have.

Curiosity is the best starting point

My journey into engineering began as a child. I was always interested in the world around me, how things worked and why. I loved problem-solving and building things, Sandbox games like Minecraft and role-playing games like World of Warcraft really fed into that mindset. That passion eventually led me to complete an Integrated Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering at Loughborough University.

I found Renishaw while exploring careers that aligned with my interest in sustainability and the company's Net-Zero goals resonated with me. What drew me in was the chance to contribute to something that has both technical depth and a positive impact on the planet.

At the Stonehouse site, the solar panels installed across the roof generate clean energy for the production facility. Projects like this show how engineering can support environmental goals - and it's great to apply what I've learned academically to real-world sustainability efforts.

To anyone considering a similar path, I'd say: stay open-minded. Engineering is full of specialisms, and trying out different areas, just as I'm doing on the graduate scheme, can completely shift your perspective.