Job Description
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, maintenance, and optimization of industrial automation systems. This role will play a critical part in ensuring operational reliability, driving continuous improvement, and implementing advanced automation solutions across the plant.
Key Responsibilities
- System Maintenance & Reliability
- Lead preventive and corrective maintenance of automation systems, including ABB 800xA DCS, Schneider and Siemens PLCs, and Fix32 SCADA platforms.
- Ensure high system availability and reliability with minimal downtime.
- Develop and implement maintenance strategies to enhance long-term system performance.
- System Design & Integration
- Drive the design, development, and implementation of new automation systems and process improvements.
- Design and program control logic, develop HMI interfaces, and integrate SCADA and DCS systems.
- Architect and implement interfaces for smart devices such as robots, label applicators, and other automated equipment.
- Provide technical leadership in system architecture decisions and project execution.
- Troubleshooting & Technical Expertise
- Lead root cause analysis and resolve complex automation issues with a focus on minimizing production impact.
- Serve as the escalation point for critical system failures.
- Provide advanced technical support for automation equipment including robots and applicators.
- Continuous Improvement & Optimization
- Identify opportunities to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and performance.
- Drive optimization initiatives leveraging data, analytics, and best practices in automation.
- Champion innovation and implementation of new technologies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
- Documentation & Standards
- Establish and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, standards, and procedures.
- Ensure all system changes and upgrades are properly documented and compliant with internal and regulatory requirements.
- Technology Leadership
- Stay current with emerging automation technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
- Evaluate, recommend, and lead implementation of system upgrades and modernization initiatives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operations.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering technical capability within the team.
- Support project teams in automation-related initiatives and capital projects.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in industrial automation, preferably within the food & beverage or FMCG sector.
- Demonstrated experience in leading automation projects and troubleshooting complex systems.
Technical Expertise
- Strong proficiency in: ABB 800xA DCS Schneider and Siemens PLC programming SCADA systems (Fix32 or equivalent) Client-server architectures and industrial control systems Solid understanding of control systems, industrial networking, and automation principles.
Core Competencies
- Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Ability to work independently while driving initiatives and influencing cross-functional teams.
Preferred / Added Advantage
- Experience in food manufacturing environments, with knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and sanitation standards.
- Exposure to robotics, vision systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
What Sets This Role Apart
- Opportunity to lead automation strategy and modernization efforts
- High visibility role with direct impact on production efficiency and plant performance
- Platform to drive innovation and digital transformation initiatives
