Automation Engineer

Innovate; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovate Utrecht is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement and maintain automated production systems across the site. You will act as the technical specialist for automation, ensuring safe, reliable operation and driving continuous improvements in productivity and plant performance.

The role blends hands-on troubleshooting with project work, preventive maintenance planning and strict electrical safety, collaborating with engineering, maintenance and production teams to

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Automation or related field.
• 3–5 years in technical process-industry/manufacturing.
• Strong practical knowledge of industrial automation systems.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA and networks.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain automated systems and production processes.
• Support PLC, SCADA, robotics and industrial network performance and reliability.
• Analyse faults and resolve complex automation issues.
• Provide technical support across engineering, maintenance and production.
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance plans.
• Ensure electrical safety procedures and site compliance.
• Support automation projects from start to finish.
• Collaborate with other departments for system integration.

Skills

PLCs & SCADA

Robotics

Industrial networks

Electrical safety

Dutch language

Education

Electrical/Automation Engineering degree

Tools

Automation software

Job description

Are you an experienced Automation Engineer with a background in the technical process industry?

Do you have strong knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics and industrial networks?

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a large international manufacturing organisation with a production facility in Utrecht. They are seeking an Automation Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of automated production systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, improving reliability and efficiency, and working collaboratively across a busy production environment.

The role

As Automation Engineer, you will act as the technical specialist for automation across the production facility. You will help ensure that automated systems and processes operate safely, reliably and efficiently, while supporting ongoing improvements to productivity, maintenance and plant performance.

The role combines hands-on technical troubleshooting with project involvement, preventive maintenance planning and electrical safety responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain automated systems and production processes.
• Support the performance, reliability and continuous improvement of PLC, SCADA, robotic and industrial network systems.
• Analyse faults and resolve complex automation and electrical issues.
• Provide technical support to colleagues across engineering, maintenance and production.
• Develop, maintain and manage preventive maintenance plans.
• Establish and maintain electrical safety procedures and protocols.
• Ensure maintenance activities and repairs are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Support automation projects from initial implementation through to completion.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure effective system integration.
• Contribute to improvements in productivity, process efficiency, reliability and sustainability.
• Ensure automation and electrical activities comply with relevant legislation, standards and site requirements.

Skills and experience required

• A degree or higher professional qualification in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related discipline.
• Three to five years of experience in a technical process-industry or manufacturing environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of industrial automation systems.
• Experience working with PLCs, SCADA systems and industrial communication networks.
• Exposure to robotics or robotic production systems would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting automation projects and implementing technical improvements.
• Strong fault-finding, diagnostic and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of electrical safety principles and relevant legislation.
• A structured, analytical and continuous-improvement mindset.
• The ability to work effectively with engineering, maintenance, production and other operational teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Good spoken and written Dutch is essential.

What the role offers

• The opportunity to join a technically advanced production environment.
• A varied automation role covering PLCs, SCADA, robotics and industrial networks.
• The chance to influence reliability, productivity, safety and process improvement.
• Involvement in both day-to-day technical support and longer-term engineering projects.
• A collaborative environment with opportunities for professional and career development.
• The opportunity to work within an international organisation while being part of a close-knit local engineering team.