Lead Automation Engineer – Pharma & Continuous Improvement

Ajinomoto Omnichem NV; Wetteren; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Omnichem NV is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead a team in a highly automated pharmaceutical production environment in Wetteren, Belgium. The role focuses on reliability, safety and performance of automation infrastructure, with responsibility for maintenance and continuous improvement projects.

The candidate will coordinate maintenance, drive optimization initiatives and coach staff, ensuring GMP compliance and safe operations while collaborating across departments and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in Automation and Instrumentation, preferably GMP-regulated.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with excellent communication in Dutch and English.
• Ability to perform under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Solid knowledge of automation systems, PLCs and DCS platforms.
• Strong IT affinity and understanding of industrial networks and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate preventive and curative maintenance activities.
• Coordinate maintenance with mechanical, instrument & electrical colleagues.
• Write validation documents, procedures, and SOPs; review them.
• Facilitate ICT infrastructure, negotiate with suppliers and contractors.
• Lead and coach the team to meet production goals and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication Dutch & English

Automation & Instrumentation

GMP experience

PLCs & DCS

Industrial networks

IT affinity

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

GAMP

Job description

Ajinomoto Omnichem NV is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead a team in a highly automated pharmaceutical production environment in Wetteren, Belgium. The role focuses on reliability, safety and performance of automation infrastructure, with responsibility for maintenance and continuous improvement projects.

The candidate will coordinate maintenance, drive optimization initiatives and coach staff, ensuring GMP compliance and safe operations while collaborating across departments and suppliers.