Automation & Instrument Engineer

Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad; Nilai; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad invites applications for an Automation & Instrument Engineer to drive automation projects from concept through handover, while ensuring the reliability of existing systems in factory operations.

You will troubleshoot automation equipment (PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS), lead FAT/SAT, and implement preventive maintenance. Fresh graduates are welcome; English and Bahasa Malaysia communications are required to collaborate with multiple departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field is required.
• Fresh graduates welcome; up to 2 years experience advantageous.
• Good written and verbal English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage automation projects from concept to handover.
• Maintain automation and instrumentation systems, troubleshoot, and implement improvements.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams and ensure FAT/SAT and documentation.
• Promote standardisation of automation practices across the factory.
• Monitor performance and pursue digitalisation initiatives where applicable.

Skills

Fresh graduates welcome

Good communication

Education

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Mechatronic/Electromechanical Engineering

Tools

PLC

HMI

SCADA

DCS

Sensors/Transmitters

Servo systems

VFDs

Networking

Job description

The Automation & Instrument Engineer is responsible for managing automation projects from concept development through to final handover, while ensuring the reliability and availability of existing automation and instrumentation systems within factory operations. The role also provides technical support and troubleshooting for automation equipment and drives improvement and digitalisation initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, safety, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.

Job Responsibilities

1. Automation Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, and manage automation projects from concept development, design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, and final handover.
• Develop technical specifications, User Requirement Specifications (URS), project scope, budget, and implementation schedules.
• Evaluate automation proposals, technologies, system integrators, and suppliers based on technical capability, cost, reliability, safety, and operational requirements.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Safety, IT, Supply Chain, and other relevant departments during project implementation.
• Monitor project progress, cost, quality, and schedule to ensure projects are completed according to agreed requirements.
• Manage Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), Site Acceptance Test (SAT), commissioning, performance verification, and project documentation.
• Ensure proper knowledge transfer and training are provided to users and maintenance personnel before project handover.

2. Maintenance of Existing Automation & Instrumentation Facilities

• Maintain the reliability and availability of existing automation and instrumentation systems used in factory operations.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, sensors, transmitters, control systems, servo systems, variable frequency drives, communication networks, and related automation equipment.
• Analyse automation and instrumentation breakdowns, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurrence.
• Establish and improve preventive maintenance programs for automation and instrumentation equipment.
• Monitor equipment condition, system performance, obsolescence, and spare‑part availability to minimise production interruption.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and service providers for specialised troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
• Maintain proper backup, revision control, and recovery procedures for PLC programs, HMI applications, system configurations, and other automation software.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, manpower utilisation, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency through automation.
• Develop and implement automation improvement projects for existing production and utility facilities.
• Study manual and repetitive processes and propose suitable automation solutions with consideration of technical feasibility, investment cost, ROI, and operational benefits.
• Improve existing control systems, machine sequences, interlocks, alarms, monitoring systems, and data collection capabilities.
• Support integration of production equipment and automation systems with digital platforms, databases, dashboards, or manufacturing information systems where applicable.
• Promote standardisation of automation hardware, software, programming practices, and control philosophy across the factory.
• Monitor the performance and benefits of completed automation improvements and recommend further optimisation where necessary.

Job Requirements

Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronic/Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Fresh graduates are welcome to apply. Candidates with up to 2 years of relevant working experience will have an added advantage.

Candidates with exposure or experience in Engineering, Automation, Instrumentation, or related fields will be an added advantage.

Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad, a multinational company under Ajinomoto Co. Incorporated, Japan, a well established and reputable food production organisation established in 1961. A market leader company with famous brands like AJI‑NO‑MOTO® , SERI‑AJI® , TUMIX®, cordially invite bright and energetic candidates to build an excited career with us.

Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad, a multinational company under Ajinomoto Co. Incorporated, Japan, a well established and reputable food production organisation established in 1961. A market leader company with famous brands like AJI‑NO‑MOTO® , SERI‑AJI® , TUMIX®, cordially invite bright and energetic candidates to build an excited career with us.

What can I earn as an Instrumentation Engineer