About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Automation Controls Engineer to join our Engineering team in Pleinfeld, Germany. In this role, you will play a significant part in electrical design, specification, project management, installation, startup, and validation for existing and new process equipment, while also helping to shape and advance our approach to automation, controls, and data management.
This role offers the opportunity to be part of a high-performing team where integrity, collaboration and collective success are valued. You will join during a time of significant local growth, with the opportunity to contribute through solutions that improve efficiency, effectiveness and product quality, and to help define how automation and digital capabilities evolve at the site over time. As the lead Automation Controls Engineer for the site, your experience will support the advancement of equipment, process and product data management, as well as machine controls and automation, in support of manufacturing and R&D. Your focus is local, with a global network of associates committed to challenge, support, guide, and partner with you to meet business needs.
Responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to projects from concept to qualification, including scope definition, specification, design, procurement, build, installation, and start-up of process equipment
- Define and evolve a site-level approach for automation, controls, and data integration, considering both current needs and future direction
- Identify and prioritize opportunities to improve equipment, processes, and data availability through automation and digital solutions
- Partner with product development, process engineering, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams to define equipment needs and deliver effective solutions
- Perform electrical design and hands-on implementation for process equipment (e.g., drives, PLC programming, HMIs, instrumentation, and motor control systems)
- Create and maintain electrical schematics, software, specifications, and technical documentation
- Work closely with suppliers on the design, specification, and delivery of new equipment and system modifications
- Provide on-site support for installation, commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting of equipment
- Support and collaborate with skilled trades and manufacturing teams to ensure reliable long-term operation of equipment
- Apply and support quality systems and established project practices to ensure effective and compliant execution
Required Qualifications
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Engineering Technology or other Engineering degree with a minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience in automation and controls
- PLC/SPS logic programming and HMI interface programming experience
- Experience with industrial motor drive and control systems
- Industrial networking experience
- Data acquisition, management and reporting experience
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawing experience to generate schematics and equipment documentation
- Demonstrated experience with the development of specifications for communicating requirements to suppliers
- Working knowledge of applicable electrical codes and machine safety standards, including functional safety (EN ISO 12100, EN ISO 13849-1, EN/IEC 62061) and use of SISTEMA, with the ability to apply these in collaboration with EH&S
- Demonstrated Project Management for large and small projects, with a track record of achieving timelines and deliverables
- Demonstrated experience identifying, defining and implementing improvements to automation, controls, or system architecture beyond individual projects
- Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new skills and technologies
- Ability and desire to work in a hands-on manufacturing environment
- Effectively communicates and documents technical information and data
- Fluent in German and English
- Ability to travel up to 10%
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Microsoft operating systems, server management, and integration of automation systems with higher-level data environments (e.g., MES or similar)
- Experience with robotics, high-speed automation, or batch control systems
- Experience with PLC and drive programming, preferably Siemens, as well as HMI systems (e.g., Wonderware or similar platforms)
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD) for electrical design and documentation
- Experience with process equipment validation, change processes, and related engineering documentation
- Working knowledge of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) and equipment-related safety standards (e.g., fire protection)
- Experience working with or developing automation standards, system architectures, or scalable solutions across multiple systems or projects
- Exposure to digitalization initiatives in manufacturing, such as improving data availability, transparency, or system connectivity
