Automation Engineer

Advanced Search; Manama; On-site; BHD 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Search is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize industrial automation and control systems in a manufacturing setting. You will collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT teams to improve reliability and efficiency.

The role focuses on reducing downtime, supporting digital transformation, and improving production through automation technologies, with hands-on work on PLC, SCADA, HMI, DCS, and related equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering or related field.
• 5–8 years in industrial automation within manufacturing.
• Hands-on with PLC, SCADA, HMI, DCS and industrial networking.
• Lean/Industry 4.0 experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain automation systems.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS.
• Support commissioning and startup of new equipment and lines.
• Improve OEE and production efficiency through optimization.
• Provide technical support during breakdowns and process issues.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.

Skills

PLC Programming

SCADA Systems

HMI Development

DCS Systems

VFDs

Servo Motors

Instrumentation

Electrical Troubleshooting

AutoCAD Electrical

ERP Systems

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ERP Systems (Oracle, SAP)

Job description

Education Bachelor of Technology/Engineering(Electrical, Instrumentation)

Job Description

The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing industrial automation and control systems to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient manufacturing operations. The role focuses on improving equipment performance, reducing downtime, supporting digital transformation initiatives, and enhancing production efficiency through automation technologies.

The Automation Engineer collaborates closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT teams to support plant operations, troubleshoot control systems, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Automation & Control Systems

Design, develop, implement, and maintain industrial automation systems.

Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS systems.

Ensure automation systems operate efficiently and reliably.

Modify and optimize control logic to improve production performance.

Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment and production lines.

Develop automation solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency.

2. Equipment Reliability

Diagnose and resolve automation-related equipment failures.

Analyze recurring control system issues and implement permanent corrective actions.

Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs for automation equipment.

Ensure maximum availability of automation and control systems.

Monitor system performance and recommend reliability improvements.

3. Production Support

Provide technical support to Production during equipment breakdowns.

Reduce machine downtime by rapidly troubleshooting automation issues.

Support process optimization initiatives.

Improve machine cycle times and production efficiency.

Assist in equipment upgrades and modernization projects.

Develop and modify PLC programs.

Configure Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems.

Support SCADA system maintenance and enhancements.

Maintain industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, and other industrial protocols.

Support servo drives, VFDs, motion control systems, and industrial robotics where applicable.

5. Electrical & Instrumentation

Support troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems.

Maintain industrial instrumentation including sensors, transmitters, encoders, and actuators.

Calibrate instrumentation when required.

Support electrical control panel design and modifications.

Ensure compliance with electrical standards and safety requirements.

Identify opportunities to automate manual processes.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives related to automation and manufacturing efficiency.

Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Support Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Recommend technology upgrades to improve plant performance.

7. Project Management

Participate in automation and engineering projects.

Support installation and commissioning of new machinery.

Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.

Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

Prepare technical documentation for automation projects.

8. Documentation & Reporting

Develop and maintain automation documentation.

Update PLC backups and system configurations.

Prepare technical reports and troubleshooting documentation.

Maintain accurate records of system modifications and software revisions.

Develop standard operating procedures related to automation systems.

9. Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure compliance with company safety procedures.

Follow electrical safety and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.

Support HSE initiatives across the manufacturing facility.

Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards and company policies.

Participate in internal and external audits.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

Minimum 5–8 years of experience in industrial automation within a manufacturing environment.

Experience in cable manufacturing, metals, aluminium, heavy industry, or continuous-process manufacturing is preferred.

Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems and production machinery.

Technical Skills

SCADA Systems

HMI Development

DCS Systems

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Servo Motors & Motion Control

Instrumentation & Control

Electrical Troubleshooting

AutoCAD Electrical (preferred)

ERP Systems (Oracle, SAP, etc.) – an advantage

Microsoft Office Suite

Core Competencies

Automation Engineering

PLC Programming

Process Optimization

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

Electrical & Instrumentation Systems

Manufacturing Operations

Problem Solving

Analytical Thinking

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Initiative

Results-Oriented

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Automation System Availability

Equipment Downtime Reduction

Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Preventive Maintenance Compliance

Automation Project Completion

Process Improvement Savings

Production Efficiency Improvement

Safety Compliance

Preferred Candidate Profile

Experience in manufacturing, cable manufacturing, metals, aluminium, or heavy industrial environments.

Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, HMI, industrial networking, instrumentation, and electrical control systems.

Experience supporting continuous production environments and automation upgrades.

Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Industry 4.0, and digital transformation initiatives is highly desirable.