Automation Engineer

Confidential Company; Manama; On-site; BHD 15,040 - 22,560; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company is looking for an experienced Automation Engineer based in Manama, Bahrain, to design, implement, and optimize automation systems in an industrial setting.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5.8 years of experience, with expertise in PLC programming and industrial networking. A strong focus on improving equipment performance and supporting continuous improvement initiatives is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5.8 years of experience in industrial automation within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in cable manufacturing, metals, aluminium or heavy industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, HMI, and industrial networking.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain industrial automation systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.

Skills

PLC Programming

SCADA Systems

Industrial Networking

Electrical Instrumentation

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Automation Engineer

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.
4. PLC Programming / Industrial Control
   • 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.
6. Continuous Improvement
   • 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

• Education: 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.
• Technical Skills:
  • PLC Programming (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi, Omron, etc.)
  • SCADA Systems, HMI Development, DCS Systems
  • Industrial Networking (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, etc.)
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), Servo Motors, Motion Control, Industrial Robotics (preferred)
  • Instrumentation & Control, Electrical Troubleshooting, AutoCAD Electrical (preferred)
  • ERP Systems (Oracle, SAP, etc.) – an advantage
  • Microsoft Office Suite
• Core Competencies:
  • Automation Engineering, Industrial Control Systems, PLC Programming, Process Optimization, Root Cause Analysis, Preventive & Predictive Maintenance, Electrical Instrumentation Systems, Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Operations
• Behavioral Competencies:
  • Problem Solving, Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Time Management, Adaptability, 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 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.
  • Highly desirable profile for those with above experience.