Automation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to lead and manage complex automation systems within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for maintaining and improving site-wide automation infrastructure, ensuring maximum equipment reliability, supporting production, and delivering automation and capital improvement projects.

You will work closely with engineering, maintenance and operations teams to drive continuous improvement, implement new technologies and ensure the highest standards of safety, quality and operational performance.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage site-wide automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, AGVs and robotics.
• Program, troubleshoot and optimise automation systems to maximise equipment reliability and plant uptime.
• Plan and deliver automation upgrades, software modifications and system improvements.
• Manage automation-related capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects from concept through to completion.
• Conduct feasibility studies, prepare project costings and support capital funding submissions.
• Lead installation, commissioning, validation and successful delivery of engineering projects.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineering, maintenance and trades teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, safety, quality and equipment performance.
• Support manufacturing teams with complex fault finding and technical problem solving.
• Ensure machinery safeguarding, electrical safety systems and engineering standards are maintained.
• Support electrical distribution and automation infrastructure across the facility.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement automation standards and best practices.
• Develop and maintain SCADA, HMI and recipe management systems.
• Create and maintain PLC and SCADA recipes for new products and production changes.
• Support packaging and equipment modifications, including the design and procurement of change parts.
• Ensure all engineering solutions are safe, reliable, maintainable and cost-effective.
• Maintain compliance with safety, quality and environmental management systems.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering, or a qualified Senior Electrician with extensive automation experience.
• 5–10 years' experience in automation, controls or industrial engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience programming and troubleshooting Allen Bradley PLCs.
• Experience with industrial networks including Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet and Modbus.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA, HMI and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Experience with VSDs, servo systems and industrial instrumentation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming languages including Ladder Logic, Structured Text and Function Block.
• Proven experience delivering engineering and CAPEX projects from design through commissioning.
• Experience working with packaging machinery, process equipment and automated production systems.
• Strong understanding of machine safety, electrical compliance and engineering standards.
• Experience with AGVs, robotics and advanced automation technologies is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and project management skills.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and continuous improvement capabilities.

 Apply today if you're serious about taking the next step in your career and can demonstrate the skills and experience outlined above.

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