Automation Engineer

FORTNA; Houten; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FORTNA in the Netherlands is seeking an Automation Engineer to join the Lifecycle Performance Services (LPS) team. The role focuses on development, cost estimation, engineering and implementation of maintenance and modification projects across customer sites.

You will lead projects from sales through realization, combining engineering, project execution and customer-facing activities, with a team of 12 specialists. Hybrid work with 3 days in the office and approximately 15% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field or HBO-equivalent.
• Experience in industrial automation or software engineering.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Proficient in English; Dutch and German are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Sales engineering of modifications and expansions.
• Translate customer specifications into technical and functional designs.
• Align designs with customers, engineers and suppliers.
• Manage small and medium-sized projects from technical and organisational perspectives.
• Carry out PLC engineering for small/medium projects as per experience.
• Support on-site commissioning and testing of maintenance and modification projects.
• Manage the total project scope in collaboration with the project team.

Skills

English proficiency

Dutch language

German language

Education

Bachelor’s degree (HBO) or similar

Tools

SIMATIC WinCC

SIMATIC STEP 7

TIA Portal

STL

SCL

Job description

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.

READY TO DRIVE AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS THAT KEEP GLOBAL MATERIAL HANDLING OPERATIONS PERFORMING AT THEIR BEST?

Job Summary

As an Automation Engineer, you will join the Lifecycle Performance Services (LPS) team in a varied and technically engaging role focused on the development, cost estimation, engineering and implementation of maintenance and modification projects.

You will lead projects from both a technical and organisational perspective, from the sales phase through to realisation at customer sites. This role combines engineering, project execution and customer-facing activities, providing broad exposure across the full project lifecycle.

You will be part of a team of 12 colleagues with expertise in control engineering, commissioning, mechanical engineering, project management and maintenance management. Together, the team supports customers, stakeholders and FORTNA projects with a strong focus on quality, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Job Responsibilities

• Sales engineering of modifications and expansions.
• Translate customer specifications into clear technical and functional designs.
• Align designs with customers, engineers and suppliers.
• Manage small and medium-sized projects from both a technical and organisational perspective.
• Carry out PLC engineering for small and/or medium-sized projects, depending on experience.
• Support on-site commissioning and testing of maintenance and modification projects.
• Manage the total project scope in close collaboration with the project team.

Qualifications Needed

• Bachelor’s degree (HBO) or similar, preferably supported by proven experience in industrial automation, electrical engineering or software engineering.
• Several years of experience in systems engineering, preferably within Material Handling Systems.
• Broad technical knowledge and interest.
• Ability to read and understand technical documentation, including drawings, schematics and specifications.
• Proficiency English; Dutch and German are a plus.
• Basic knowledge of SIMATIC WinCC, SIMATIC STEP 7 and/or TIA Portal.
• Knowledge of STL and SCL (Programming Languages)
• Ability to work on multiple projects and tasks in parallel.
• Willingness to independently engineer PLC software modifications, depending on experience.
• Strong communication and technical skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across different functions and stakeholder groups.
• Result-driven, solution-oriented and pragmatic approach.
• Motivation and persistence to support successful project delivery.
• Proactive, flexible and able to work well under pressure.
• Team-oriented approach with a hands-on mentality.
• Hybrid working model with 3 days per week in the office, combined with home working and on-site activities at customer locations.
• Regular travel required, approximately 15% of the time, supporting international projects and customer engagements.
• Full-time contract.