Automation & Controls Engineer M/F

Verkor SAS; Grenoble; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Verkor SAS in Grenoble, France, seeks an Automation Engineer for the Process R&D team to design, develop, and implement advanced automation for production and new systems, aiming at high efficiency, low cost, and reliable unmanned processes.

You will work on PLC/HMI programming, robotics, motion control, and industrial protocols, lead optimization, troubleshoot complex issues, ensure safety compliance, and drive continuous improvement across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5 years minimum experience designing and implementing automation and control systems.
• Advanced proficiency programming IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Proficient in PLC and HMI programming (Mitsubishi, Siemens, Schneider, or similar).
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing equipment (battery industry preferred).
• Knowledge of CC-Link IE TSN, Profinet, Modbus TCP.
• OPC UA connectivity and MES interfaces.
• Experience in safety function design (preferable).
• Strong multi-tasking and project management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs.
• Lead the design and integration of complex automation systems for manufacturing processes.
• Lead automation projects from conception to completion
• Optimize and improve the production lines by reducing cycle time, reducing downtime, and improving quality.
• Implement control strategies to enhance system performance and maintain optimal process conditions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation enhancements.
• Review and sign off detailed design phase outcomes during the project.
• Participate in various control equipment buy-offs at vendor sites.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to validate automation solutions

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

IEC 61131-3

English communication

Education

Master's degree in Automation or Electrical Engineering

Tools

EPlan

AutoCAD

CAD tools

Job description

About this role :

As an Automation Engineer in the Process R&D team, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation solutions to support both production and new system development. Your primary mission is to enable high-efficiency, low-cost, and highly reliable automated processes that align with the company’s vision of an unmanned smart factory.

This role requires a strong understanding of industrial automation technologies, including PLC-HMI programming, robotics, motion control, and industrial communication protocols. You will work closely with mechanical, vision, and process engineers to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions into production lines. Beyond implementation, you will also lead optimization efforts, troubleshoot complex automation issues, ensure compliance with safety standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

This job will report to the Automation & Vision Systems Development Group Leader, and the person should be capable of designing algorithms independently to fulfill tasks allocated. Structured thinking and data sensitivity are compulsory.

Main responsibilities :

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs.
• Lead the design and integration of complex automation systems for manufacturing processes.
• Lead automation projects from conception to completion
• Optimize and improve the production lines by reducing cycle time, reducing downtime, and improving quality.

• Implement control strategies to enhance system performance and maintain optimal process conditions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation enhancements.
• Review and sign off detailed design phase outcomes during the project.
• Participate in various control equipment buy-offs at vendor sites.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to validate automation solutions

Requirements :

• Master's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5 years minimum of professional experience in designing and implementing automation and control systems.
• Advanced proficiency programming industrial equipment using various IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Proficient in PLC and HMI programming (Mitsubishi, Siemens, Schneider, or similar)
• Hands-on experience integrating and commissioning high-volume manufacturing equipment. (preferably battery industry)
• In-depth knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as CC-Link IE TSN, Profinet, Modbus TCP
• Experience in OPC UA connectivity and MES interfaces
• Experience in writing technical documentation
• Experience in designing electrical schematics using CAD tools such as EPlan or AutoCAD (preferable)
• Experience in evaluation, design, and implementation of safety functions (preferable)
• Multi-tasking ability to manage multiple projects at the same time
• Excellent team player who is open to new ideas and thoughts
• Good English written and oral skills
• Highly organized and result-driven
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills to work in an international environment
• Interpersonal skills: flexibility, motivation and passion, sense of quality, positive and can-do attitude, friendliness