An Automation Engineer develops and implements testing strategies and toolsets with the goal of increasing process automation. Establishes appropriate measures to validate and report on software quality. Designs and implements test automation to improve system reliability and stability. Designs and supports frameworks for test infrastructure. Provides automation expertise and mentoring.
Monday - Friday; 8 hour days Key Responsibilities Design, implement, and commission control and regulation solutions for industrial processes, focusing on safety and robustness. Develop and program control systems, with experience in AC450 programming and platform-specific libraries. Configure and integrate DCS/PLC systems such as Advant and 800xA for monitoring, logging, and alarm management. Carry out control analysis and optimise control strategies in collaboration with process engineers to improve process stability and energy usage. Produce technical documentation, functional specifications, and commissioning plans, and verify deliveries against requirements. Perform troubleshooting, system testing, and commissioning support, as well as provide technical support during operational incidents. Collaborate within cross-functional teams to ensure automation solutions deliver business value and comply with applicable regulations and standards. Participate in engineering, risk assessments, and the follow-up of improvement projects, with a focus on lifecycle cost and scalability. Profile Practical and solution-oriented, with strong attention to detail and quality of delivery. Communicative and collaborative, comfortable working in cross-functional projects and able to explain technical solutions clearly. Proactive and curious, with a drive for continuous improvement and learning within automation and control engineering. Flexible and service-minded, with a strong sense of responsibility for plant reliability and safety. Requirements Relevant technical education within automation, control engineering, or equivalent professional experience. Demonstrable experience in AC450 programming or similar PLC programming. Hands-on experience with 800xA for integration, visualisation, or system administration. Good understanding of control engineering and the application of PID control, model-based controllers, and process dynamics. Experience in troubleshooting, system testing, and commissioning within a production environment. Desirable Skills Certifications or formal training in specific automation system vendors' tools and standards. Experience with network architecture, OT cybersecurity, and industrial IT integration. Knowledge of advanced control engineering, modelling, and optimisation methods. Deliverables & Success Measures Delivery and commissioning of control systems in accordance with functional requirements and agreed schedules. Reduced process variation and improved availability and throughput KPIs following control system tuning and optimisation. Completion and approval of technical documentation, test protocols, and commissioning reports. Implementation of improvements demonstrating a positive impact on energy consumption or operating costs. Tools & Technologies Industry-standard automation systems and tools, including PLC/DCS platforms, SCADA, historian systems, and version control. Emphasis on experience with AC450 programming, integration and operation of 800xA, and configuration of Advant systems. Understanding of practical control engineering, OT network connectivity, and standards relating to safe automation.
