Automation & IT Expert (Expansion Project)

HHLA PLT Italy; Friuli-Venezia Giulia; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

HHLA PLT Italy is seeking an Automation & IT Expert to join our Expansion Project Team in Trieste. You will own end-to-end automation solutions from concept to commissioning, bridging operations, automation, IT and safety.

Responsibilities include translating concepts into robust technical solutions, defining IT and automation requirements across flows, interfacing with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and ensuring integration with existing HHLA PLT Italy systems.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, IT, Automation or equivalent.
• 5+ years in automation and/or IT implementation.
• Experience designing processes and delivering automation projects.
• Very good English; Italian a plus.
• Strong safety awareness in automated environments (EU directives).
• EU work permit and willingness to relocate to Trieste.

Responsibilities

• Translate automation concepts into concrete technical solutions.
• Define and implement automation and IT requirements across operational flows.
• Support automation topics across projects and automated areas.
• Interface with suppliers, partners and internal departments.
• Apply best practices in automation, IT and safety.
• Identify risks early and propose mitigations.
• Align automation requirements with the Asset/IT teams.
• Ensure integration with existing HHLA PLT Italy IT and automation systems.
• Promote safety, security and governance.
• Support the organization and business units as required.
• Proactively report improvement opportunities to your direct report.

Skills

Automation

IT Systems

English

Italian (bonus)

Problem solving

Project collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

IT degree

Automation degree

Job description

HHLA PLT Italy is a multipurpose maritime terminal started in 2021, located in the middle of the fast-growing North Adriatic market.

Here, the Expansion Project Team, carried out by the company Logistica Giuliana, is planning and executing a game changer phased project aiming to integrate the current facility into a state-of-the-art container and Ro-R terminal, making use of the most advanced technologies and expertise.

To support this transformation, we are looking for an Automation & IT Expert who will play a key role in turning vision into reality.

As Automation & IT Expert, you will own part of the end-to-end automation solution, from conceptual design to implementation and commissioning. You will work at the intersection of operations, automation, IT and safety, ensuring that automation solutions fully support business and operational needs. You will collaborate closely with Operations Implementation Team, Safety and Asset teams. External automation and equipment suppliers. You will act as a technical integrator and problem solver, translating high-level concepts into robust, scalable automation solutions.

What you can expect

• Translate the automation concept into concrete technical solutions supporting terminal operations
• Contribute to the definition and implementation of automation & IT requirements across all operational flows
• Support automation topics across projects and automated areas
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders (suppliers, partners, internal departments)
• Apply best practices in automation, IT and safety in an automated port environment
• Identify potential risks and bottlenecks early and propose mitigation measures
• Align automation requirements with the Asset team
• Ensure integration with existing HHLA PLT Italy IT and automation systems
• Actively comply with and promote safety, security and corporate governance rules
• Support the organization and business units where required
• Proactively report improvement opportunities to your direct report

What you bring to the table

We are looking for a structured, detail-oriented professional who can bridge the gap between concept design and real-world implementation in a complex operational environment.

• Degree in Engineering, IT, Automation or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in automation and/or IT (port experience is highly valued but not mandatory)
• Proven experience in designing processes and delivering automation projects
• Very good command of English (Italian is a plus)
• Strong understanding of safety in automated environments (knowledge of Italian regulations and EU Machinery Directive is a strong asset)
• Strong problem-solving skills, both technically and in cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to work in a project-driven environment
• Proactive, self-starter mindset, with the ability to turn abstract concepts into executable solutions
• Valid EU work permit and willingness to relocate to Trieste on short notice

Salary range: 45-65K

We encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories under Law 68/99, including individuals with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

As an international logistics company with its roots in Hamburg, HHLA stands for cosmopolitanism and tolerance. We are convinced of the advantages of different perspectives, experiences and competences. Our aim is to create a working environment in which humanity, mutual respect and appreciation are the basis for the actions of all employees.