Industrial Automation Engineer

Why work for us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Job Requirements:

Safety

• Understanding of Machinery Safety Standards and Risk Assessment processes
• Knowledge of Permit to Work, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Electrical Safety Rules and Safe Isolation procedures

Technical Qualifications

• HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems Engineering, or related discipline (essential)
• Time-served Electrical/Controls Engineer apprenticeship (desirable)
• Relevant electrical qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 Electrical Engineering, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations) desirable

Control Systems Experience

• Proven experience programming, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintaining PLC-controlled equipment (essential)
• Experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron or equivalent PLC platforms (essential)
• Experience developing and modifying HMI and SCADA systems (essential)
• Experience with industrial communications networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus or similar (essential)
• Experience with servo drives, VSDs, motion control and instrumentation systems (desirable)

Project Management

• Proven experience delivering automation and controls projects from concept through commissioning (essential)
• Experience managing contractors, project budgets, schedules and technical specifications (desirable)

Continuous Improvement

• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience (essential)
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt or equivalent (desirable)

Manufacturing Knowledge

• Experience working within a manufacturing environment (essential)
• Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving tools (essential)
• Experience working within ISO9001 and/or IATF16949 environments (desirable)

Responsibilities

Safety

• Ensure all automation, controls and electrical systems comply with site safety standards and legal requirements
• Lead machinery safety assessments, electrical safety improvements and Management of Change (MOC) activities
• Support incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Promote safe working practices, permit-to-work compliance, LOTO and contractor safety management

Quality

• Develop and maintain control systems that support consistent product quality and process stability
• Investigate process and equipment issues using root cause analysis and implement permanent solutions
• Support quality improvement initiatives through automation and data-driven process control
• Ensure all automation changes are documented, tested and validated in line with quality requirements

Cost

• Identify and implement automation solutions that reduce waste, energy consumption and operating costs
• Support preventive maintenance strategies to minimize unplanned downtime and repair costs
• Manage automation project budgets and ensure effective use of engineering resources
• Drive efficiency improvements through equipment optimization and process standardisation

Delivery

• Improve equipment reliability, OEE and manufacturing throughput through automation and controls improvements
• Lead automation and capital projects from design through commissioning and handover
• Provide technical support to minimize downtime and restore production quickly during equipment failures
• Work with operations teams to identify and remove process bottlenecks

Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using automation, data analysis and engineering best practices
• Identify opportunities for new technologies and digital solutions to improve manufacturing performance
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems to support operational excellence
• Contribute to site improvement roadmaps and long-term engineering strategies

People

• Provide technical leadership and expertise across automation, controls and electrical systems
• Coach and support maintenance and operations teams in fault finding and equipment operation
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, contractors and equipment supplier
• Support skills development and knowledge sharing to improve overall engineering capability

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.