Senior Automation Engineer (Villawood, Nsw, Au)

Colgate-Palmolive; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive Villawood in New South Wales seeks a Site Automation Lead to manage site-wide automation, including PLCs, HMIs, plant networks, AGVs and robotics. You will oversee software changes, audits and drive capital projects with a mechanical or packaging focus.

You will mentor trades, coordinate with CP Global teams on standard concepts, ensure electrical safety on site and support maintenance, continuous improvement and project delivery across production lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Mechatronics OR Senior Electrician with PLC experience.
• 5-10 years in project management / mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years in industrial control systems, Allen-Bradley PLCs, networks (Devicenet, Ethernet-IP, Modbus), HMIs, VSDs, servos, instrumentation.
• Competent in PLC programming languages (ladder logic, structured text, function block).
• Experience with FMCG packaging equipment and plant processes.
• 5-10 years in design, manufacture and installation of packaging machinery.
• Strong communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead site automation upgrades and audits.
• Manage, program and troubleshoot automation systems.
• Lead electrical safety on site and safeguard machinery.
• Collaborate with Global teams on standard automation concepts.
• Implement automation changes for plant systems projects.
• Support electrical distribution and infrastructure.

Skills

PLC systems

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI systems

Industrial networks

Project management

Electrical safety

Robotics exposure

SCADA/OPERA

Packaging machinery

Ladder logic

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics)

Tools

OPERA SCADA

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered Job Number #172204 - Villawood, New South Wales, Australia

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name! Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Site Automation Lead

The primary focus of this role is the responsibility to manage site-wide Automation which includes PLC’s, HMI’s, plant level networks, AGV’s and Robots. Responsibility includes managing software and design modifications of site automation systems. This role will support all areas of production with troubleshooting, continuous improvement, maintenance and EOHS issues. Ensuring that our plant is running will be the main priority of this role. In addition, the role will support and implement capital expenditure projects, particularly those with a mechanical or packaging machinery focus. Projects may involve sourcing systems from external suppliers and may also involve detailed mechanical design, drafting and purchasing for in-house projects.

• Lead the Villawood site’s automation by means of managing regular upgrades, regular auditing of site hardware and softwares, project management, and mentoring team members including trades.
• Manage, program and troubleshoot site automation systems.
• Lead in electrical safety on site, including safeguarding machinery and managing safety systems.
• Partner with CP Global teams on standard automation technology and implementation of standard concepts on site.
• Work closely with the plant systems team to implement required automation changes for plant systems project work.
• Support the sIte’s electrical distribution and infrastructure.

Troubleshooting/Continuous Improvement

• Troubleshooting by supporting manufacturing and maintenance team members in overcoming breakdowns by problem solving and helping organise external repairs or parts. Work towards becoming familiar with all our systems.
• Support Continuous Improvement Engineers in improving productivity, quality and safety through equipment modifications.
• Provide technical advice to autonomous maintenance teams.

Project Identification and Design

• Establish project goals with a large variety of stakeholders and prepare capital submissions through Colgate systems.
• Successfully implement projects and carry out feasibility studies to select the best option. Calculate costing to support application for funding.
• Ensure end to end success of applicable projects including: leading the change management process, controlling costs to complete projects within budget, meeting imposed deadlines with good time management, planning and carrying out installation (including acceptance trials and validation), providing documentation and instruction manuals and ensuring proper closure management of the project.

Mechanical Design

• Safe to use
• Easy to maintan
• Cost effective - up front and on-going
• Durable
• Flexible
• Able to produce quality products
• Consistent with our normal operating procedures
• Supportive of commonality of spare parts

EOHS and Sustainability

• Actively support management systems, including sourcing permits and authorisations diligently.
• Improve safety by design and adhering to Company Standards and Guidelines and local legislation.
• Communicate expectations to contractors and supervise.

SCADA and Making Systems

• Develop robust knowledge of the OPERA (SCADA and MES) and Making Control Systems as well as managing Recipe Manager
• Support compliance auditing for Safety, EOHS, electrical and Quality
• Gather and consolidate information from Packaging, Technical, QA, Planning and Engineering.

New Products

• Check that new packaging is within the equipment size range and can be handled by the equipment.
• Liaise with Packaging Dept to make packaging suitable.
• Design/procure new change parts and provide change part storage.
• Modify machines if necessary and feasible.
• Prepare a size change data sheet.
• Prepare new PLC and SCADA recipes.

Required (Education, Knowledge, Language, Skills, etc)

• Bachelor of Engineering degree in a relevant engineering field (Mechanical / Mechatronics / Electrical) OR Senior Electrician that holds extensive experience (5 years+) and knowledge in PLC with demonstrated experience delivering automation projects
• 5-10 years’ experience in project management/ mechanical engineering
• Min 5 years of experience in industrial control systems, specialising in Allen Bradley PLC’s, Networks (including Devicenet, Ethernet-IP, Modbus, etc) , HMI’s, VSD’s, Servos, industrial instrumentation (temp. Control, flowmeters, level controls, etc)
• Competency with various PLC programming languages (e.g. ladder logic, structured text, and function block)
• Experience with process and manufacturing equipment used in FMCG manufacturing (e.g. rotary fillers, labellers, tanks, pumps, packaging equipment, etc)
• 5-10 years experience in design, manufacture and installation of packaging machinery and/or plant process equipment
• Effective communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills.

Preferred Requirements:

• Strong experience in Allen Bradley PLC’s and related industrial networks.
• Experience in AGVs, robotics and WW SCADA is advantageous.
• Experience in managing and inspecting hazardous areas.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this should you require accommodation.