Automation Engineer

Catalay; Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Mentor program

Training programme

Team social events

Job summary

Catalay is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead automation and control across advanced industrial machines. You will develop, program and commission new machines and work with project managers and electrical engineers through the entire lifecycle.

The role requires expertise in PLC controls, visualization, and motion control, plus the ability to travel internationally up to 30%. A master’s degree in a technical field and fluency in Dutch and English are expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in electrical engineering, automation or related field.
• Extensive plc programming experience and hands-on automation expertise.
• Fluent in Dutch and English with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Program PLC controls and visualization systems for new industrial machines.
• Coordinate automation work with project manager.
• Prepare functional descriptions and modify as needed.
• Carry out final functional inspections before shipping to customers.
• Support modifications and service interventions at international sites.
• Determine required PLCs and network components with electrical engineer and PM.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure reliable machine control.

Skills

PLC programming

Siemens TIA Portal

Step 7

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

WinCC/Wonderware/iFIX

Electrical schematics

Servo drives & motion control

Programming languages: .NET/C#/C++/SQL

Dutch & English fluency

Teamwork & independence

Education

Master's degree in electrical engineering/automation

Tools

Rockwell

Mitsubishi

Beckhoff

Schneider

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Automation Engineer for an international, technology-focused machine manufacturer in East Flanders. You will be responsible for the automation and control of advanced industrial machines.

In this role, you will play an important part in developing, programming and commissioning new machines.

You will work closely with project managers and electrical engineers, and be involved throughout the entire process, from developing the control systems to final technical inspection and providing support to customers worldwide.

You will join a technically challenging environment where innovation, collaboration and quality are central.

Your responsibilities

• You will be responsible for programming PLC controls and visualisation systems for new industrial machines.
• You will coordinate the scheduling of automation work with the project manager.
• You will prepare functional descriptions of machines and amend them where necessary.
• You will carry out the final functional inspection before machines are shipped to the customer.
• You will support modifications, improvements and service interventions on machines at international customers' sites.
• In consultation with the electrical engineer and project manager, you will determine which PLCs and network components are required.
• You will work closely with various technical disciplines to ensure reliable and efficient machine control.

This role involves travelling internationally for up to approximately 30% of your time.

Profile

We are looking for an experienced automation engineer with a strong technical background, extensive knowledge of industrial machine controls and a hands-on approach.

Ideally, you will have the following profile:

• You have at least 10 years' experience as an automation engineer, preferably in a machine-building environment.
• You have a master's degree in electrical engineering, automation or a comparable technical discipline.
• You have extensive experience with PLC controls and programming, particularly with Siemens TIA Portal and Step 7.
• You also have experience with at least one other automation platform, such as Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Beckhoff or Schneider.
• You have experience with visualisation systems for industrial processes, such as WinCC, Wonderware or iFIX.
• You can read and interpret electrical schematics.
• You have knowledge of servo drives and motion control.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as .NET, C++, C# or SQL is an advantage.
• You can set priorities and work independently without losing sight of the importance of teamwork.
• You are practical, take the initiative and have a customer-focused approach.
• You are willing to travel internationally for up to approximately 30% of your working time.
• You speak and write Dutch and English fluently.

Offer

• A dynamic, international and technically challenging working environment.
• A competitive salary with an attractive package of additional benefits.
• An extensive training programme and personal guidance from a mentor.
• The opportunity to work on advanced industrial machines and complex automation projects.
• A friendly atmosphere, with activities such as after-work drinks, sports activities, a summer barbecue and a Christmas gathering.
• An easily accessible workplace close to the motorway.
• 32 days of leave per year: 20 statutory holiday days and 12 additional leave days.