Automation Engineer

IFF; Tilburg; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF in Tilburg, Netherlands, seeks an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain automation and control systems within the plant. You will ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations by improving OT/IT environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Role requires a diploma in Electrical/Electronic/Industrial Automation engineering and at least 5 years in PLC/SCADA programming, with Dutch and English fluency. The position is onsite in Tilburg.

Qualifications

• Minimum diploma in Electrical, Electronic, or Industrial Automation Engineering.
• 5+ years' PLC and SCADA programming experience.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems and process control.
• Experience with Siemens or Emerson PLCs and iFIX or Cimplicity SCADA.
• Fluent in Dutch and English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated systems to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Program, test, and validate control systems (PLC/SCADA) for accuracy and reliability.
• Integrate equipment and systems for seamless plant operations.
• Monitor performance, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot to minimize downtime.
• Serve as main contact for automation topics and support cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, EHS, Warehouse, and IT to align automation initiatives.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement in process control and automation.
• Develop and maintain documentation such as SOPs and system specs.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA programming

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Diploma in Electronic Engineering

Diploma in Industrial Automation Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Emerson PLC

iFIX SCADA

Cimplicity SCADA

Job description

Job Summary

Are you ready to drive automation excellence and improve manufacturing performance through innovative control systems?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Global Operations:

Ensuring excellence in execution-from procurement to supply chain and reliability-delivering quality, safety, efficiency and sustainability across the value chain.

The role is based in Tilburg, (onsite). Be part of a proactive, solution-oriented, and collaborative engineering team where together we can achieve operational excellence and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

As an Automation Engineer , you will play a key role in designing, implementing, and maintaining automation and control systems within our plant. You will ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations by continuously improving systems across Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) environments.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Design, develop, and implement automated systems and machinery to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce manual intervention
• Program, test, and validate control systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA) to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability
• Integrate equipment and systems to enable seamless plant operations and improved overall performance
• Monitor system performance, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime
• Act as the main point of contact for automation-related topics and support cross-functional teams
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, EHS, Warehouse, and IT teams to align automation initiatives with business objectives
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in process control and automation technologies
• Develop and maintain documentation, including SOPs, system specifications, and maintenance records

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Minimum diploma degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or Industrial Automation Engineering
• At least 5 years of experience in PLC and SCADA programming is preferred
• Solid understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, and process control (including interlock systems)
• Experience with automation technologies such as PLC (e.g., Siemens, Emerson) and SCADA systems (e.g., iFIX, Cimplicity)
• Knowledge of ATEX regulations and Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)
• Fluent in Dutch and English, both written and spoken
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively
• Experience in regulated industries such as food or pharma (e.g., GMP, food safety standards)
• Hands-on mindset with strong communication and collaboration skills

How Would You Stand Out

• Experience working in complex manufacturing environments with multiple stakeholders
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation
• Ability to translate technical challenges into practical, efficient solutions
• Eager to learn, continuously develop their skills, and shows persistence in driving tasks through to completion.

Why Choose Us

• Opportunity to work in a highly technical and impactful engineering role
• Collaborative and supportive team environment across multiple disciplines
• Exposure to advanced automation technologies and continuous improvement projects
• Structured onboarding and development opportunities
• A safe and quality-driven working environment
• Career growth opportunities within engineering and regional roles

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more