Automation Specialist

Panda International; Breda; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda International is seeking an Automation Engineer to maintain and troubleshoot PLCs, SCADA and HMIs in a GMP-regulated packaging facility. You will act as the first escalation point on shift and support automation project implementations.

Responsibilities include documenting maintenance per GMP, coaching technicians, coordinating with engineering teams and vendors, and driving preventive maintenance improvements to minimize downtime.

Qualifications

• MBO+ or a degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands‑on experience in a maintenance or automation role.
• At least 3 years of experience in GMP-regulated manufacturing or packaging, with a focus on automation systems.
• Hands‑on experience maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems such as PLCs, SCADA and HMIs.
• Working knowledge of GMP requirements for maintaining and documenting computerized systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot automation systems in a GMP-regulated packaging environment.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for automation issues on shift.
• Support the implementation of automation projects and document maintenance activities.
• Coach senior maintenance technicians and coordinate with internal teams and external vendors.
• Improve preventive maintenance to reduce downtime.

Skills

Automation degree

GMP experience

PLC troubleshooting

SCADA/HMI

GMP documentation

English proficiency

Shift work

Education

Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics degree

Hands-on equivalent experience

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

HMI/SCADA systems

Job description

Responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems in a GMP-regulated packaging environment. The role serves as the first point of escalation for automation issues on shift and supports the implementation of automation projects. Responsibilities include maintaining PLC, SCADA, HMI and other computerized systems across ISA levels 1–3, performing backups and restores, reviewing audit trails, supporting system patching, and documenting maintenance activities in line with GMP requirements. The engineer also coaches senior maintenance technicians, coordinates with internal engineering teams and external vendors, and improves preventive maintenance to reduce downtime.

Non-Negotiable Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• MBO+ or a degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands‑on experience in a maintenance or automation role
• At least 3 years of experience in GMP-regulated manufacturing or packaging, with a focus on automation systems
• Hands‑on experience maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems such as PLCs, SCADA and HMIs
• Working knowledge of GMP requirements for maintaining and documenting computerized systems
• Ability to act as the first point of escalation for automation issues and collaborate with production, engineering and support teams
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Ability to work on the shift schedule below and provide occasional off-hours support

Desirable Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Siemens or Rockwell automation platform certification
• Maintenance reliability, industrial automation or GMP compliance certification
• Experience in creating technical training materials and coaching maintenance technicians
• Experience supporting automation projects or serving as the automation lead within a team
• Experience improving preventive maintenance or optimizing automation system performance

Practicalities

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Duration: 1 year

Location: Breda, Netherlands

Hours: 40H

Work Arrangement: On-site

Shift Pattern: Three-shift schedule through February 2027. From 1 March 2027, the five-shift rotation is 2 early shifts, 2 late shifts, 2-night shifts, 4 consecutive days off.