Automation Engineer

UPM - The Biofore Company; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

UPM - The Biofore Company in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, is seeking an Automation Engineer to develop, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and automation control systems for safe and efficient operations. You will perform RCA, implement corrective actions, and drive energy efficiency across production assets.

The role requires 5–10 years of hands-on automation experience, knowledge of Siemens TIA, Sinamics, ABB, Aveva Intouch, Safety PLCs, IIoT, and strong teamwork with cross-functional

Qualifications

• Advance Diploma / Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering (must have formal qualification).
• 5-10 years of hands-on experience in continuous operating plant automation troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Familiar with tension control system and PLC control system programming (Siemens TIA, Sinamics, ABB, Aveva Intouch, Safety PLCs, IIoT).

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and other automation control systems to support safe and efficient operations.
• Troubleshoot automation and electrical system failures, machine breakdowns, and facility-related issues.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to enhance equipment performance, reliability, energy efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Conduct routine inspections, condition monitoring, and performance assessments of production equipment, utility systems, and automation assets to ensure optimal reliability and availability.
• Support predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance activities by providing specialized automation and electrical engineering expertise according to SAP PM, work order management and maintenance plan.
• Support energy management initiatives and ensure automation and electrical systems comply with applicable engineering standards, statutory requirements, and corporate guidelines.
• Perform technical feasibility assessments for automation and electrical system upgrades, including preparation of technical recommendations, justifications, and cost-benefit analyses for management review.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and external service providers to resolve technical issues and achieve operational objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to maintenance personnel, technicians, and operators on automation systems, troubleshooting methodologies, and best practices.
• Participate in risk assessments for new and existing equipment, to improve workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
• Establish, maintain, and update engineering documentation within the M-File System, including automation architecture, electrical drawings, software backups, operating procedures, and system configurations.
• Maintain cybersecurity controls, backup strategies and Management of Change (MOC) documentation for automation and control systems.
• Ensure all engineering records, technical specifications, and system modifications are appropriately documented and controlled in accordance with company requirements.
• Provide automation and electrical engineering support for equipment modifications, upgrades, and new installation projects, including design review, system integration, commissioning, validation, and handover.
• Manage and support electrical installation, modification, and upgrading projects in compliance with standards, project requirements, budgets, and timelines.
• Support Continuous Improvement (CI), Energy Saving, and Projects (MOP) through technical evaluation, implementation, and project execution.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors, and vendors to ensure successful delivery of automation and electrical projects while meeting safety, quality, and performance objectives

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Education

Advance Diploma / Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA

Sinamics S/G

ABB ACS

Aveva Intouch

Safety PLCs

IIoT

Job description

Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!

Learn more about us as a workplace upm.com/careers

We are now looking for an Automation Engineer. This position is located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

What you will do

• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, and other automation control systems to support safe and efficient operations. Troubleshoot automation and electrical system failures, machine breakdowns, and facility-related issues. Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement effective corrective and preventive actions
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to enhance equipment performance, reliability, energy efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness. Conduct routine inspections, condition monitoring, and performance assessments of production equipment, utility systems, and automation assets to ensure optimal reliability and availability
• Support predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance activities by providing specialized automation and electrical engineering expertise according to SAP PM, work order management and maintenance plan. Support energy management initiatives and ensure automation and electrical systems comply with applicable engineering standards, statutory requirements, and corporate guidelines
• Perform technical feasibility assessments for automation and electrical system upgrades, including preparation of technical recommendations, justifications, and cost-benefit analyses for management review
• Collaborate closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and external service providers to resolve technical issues and achieve operational objectives. Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to maintenance personnel, technicians, and operators on automation systems, troubleshooting methodologies, and best practices. Participate in risk assessments for new and existing equipment, to improve workplace safety and regulatory compliance
• Establish, maintain, and update engineering documentation within the M-File System, including automation architecture, electrical drawings, software backups, operating procedures, and system configurations. Maintain cybersecurity controls, backup strategies and Management of Change (MOC) documentation for automation and control systems. Ensure all engineering records, technical specifications, and system modifications are appropriately documented and controlled in accordance with company requirements
• Provide automation and electrical engineering support for equipment modifications, upgrades, and new installation projects, including design review, system integration, commissioning, validation, and handover. Manage and support electrical installation, modification, and upgrading projects in compliance with standards, project requirements, budgets, and timelines
• Support Continuous Improvement (CI), Energy Saving, and Projects (MOP) through technical evaluation, implementation, and project execution. Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors, and vendors to ensure successful delivery of automation and electrical projects while meeting safety, quality, and performance objectives

Who you are

• You have Advance Diploma / Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering
• You are able to communicate well in both written and spoken English
• You have 5-10 years of hands‑on experience in continuous operating plant automation trouble shooting and maintenance
• You are familiar with tension control system and PLC control system programming, especially Siemens TIA / Sinamics S or G / ABB ACS / Aveva Intouch / Safety PLCs / IIoT
• You have good communication and interpersonal skills and are able to work independently

This is what we offer to you

• A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.
• A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well‑being of our colleagues. We support the work‑life balance of all our employees.
• Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi‑business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.
• Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science‑based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.

Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working >

Additional information about the position

For support with submitting your application, please contact the HR Service Center at [e-mail].