Automation Engineer

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

Job summary

UPM in Johor Bahru, Malaysia is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, install, and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA and related automation systems. You will troubleshoot equipment, perform root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement in production reliability.

The role collaborates with Production, Maintenance, Quality and Engineering teams, supports SAP PM activities, and ensures compliance with engineering standards.

Qualifications

• Advance Diploma or Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.
• 5–10 years of hands-on plant automation experience.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, SCADA, and VFD systems.
• Familiarity with SAP PM or CMMS is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, and other automation systems.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities for equipment performance and energy efficiency.
• Support maintenance activities with automation and electrical engineering expertise.
• Prepare technical recommendations, cost-benefit analyses, and justifications for upgrades.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering and external service providers.
• Maintain engineering documentation and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

SCADA

HMI

Electrical engineering

Education

Advance Diploma / Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA

Sinamics

ABB ACS

Aveva Intouch

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 >