Automation Specialist

Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI); Manila; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Asian Terminals Incorporated seeks an Automation Specialist to implement and optimize automation on port equipment, focusing on STS and RTG cranes. You will maintain PLCs, drive systems, and related controls to ensure reliable terminal performance.

The role requires 7+ years in electrical/automation maintenance at container terminals, with hands-on PLC and drive experience and strong safety aptitude in a 24/7 port environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or industrial automation is required.
• PLC programming or drive systems certifications preferred.
• 7+ years of hands-on automation maintenance in container terminal equipment.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, troubleshoot and maintain automation systems on STS and RTG cranes.
• Diagnose faults and minimize downtime for control systems.
• Modify PLC logic and HMI screens for optimization and safety.
• Calibrate sensors, encoders, inverters, and feedback devices.
• Perform preventive maintenance and drive parameter tuning.
• Coordinate with OEMs (Siemens, Fuji, Yaskawa) for updates.
• Assist commissioning of new cranes and major control upgrades.
• Maintain PLC programs, wiring diagrams, and fault logs.
• Train maintenance staff on control systems and electrical safety.

Skills

PLC programming knowledge

Drive systems

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Industrial Automation

Tools

Siemens S7

Fuji

Yaskawa

ZPMC

Liebherr

Profibus/Profinet/Ethernet networks

Job description

The Automation specialist is responsible for implementing the automation plan on the port equipment, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing programmable logic controllers (PLCs), drive systems, and related automation components in port handling equipment, with a primary focus on STS (Ship-to-Shore) and RTG (Rubber-Tyred Gantry) cranes. This role ensures the reliability and operational efficiency of electrical and control systems that are critical to terminal performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of Automation systems, PLCs, Drives and motion control systems on STS and RTG cranes.
• Diagnose faults and implement solutions for control system failures in minimal time to reduce equipment downtime.
• Interpret and modify PLC logic and HMI screens for operational optimization and safety compliance.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, encoders, inverters, and feedback devices associated with crane control systems.
• Carry out regular preventive maintenance and drive parameter tuning to ensure equipment longevity and safety.
• Work with OEMs (e.g., Siemens, Fuji, Yaskawa, etc.) for updates and technical support.
• Assist in commissioning new cranes or major control upgrades and retrofits.
• Maintain documentation of PLC programs, drive configurations, wiring diagrams, and fault logs.
• Train maintenance staff on control system basics ,PLC, drives and best practices for electrical safety.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation,
• Certifications in PLC programming or drive systems (e.g., Siemens S7, Fuji, Code sys) are preferred.
• Hands on experience on automation projects in container terminal equipment.
• 7+ years of experience in electrical/automation maintenance in container terminal port operations equipment.
• Proven hands‑on experience with PLCs and drive systems in STS and RTG cranes.
• Familiarity with crane brands such as ZPMC and Liebherr is an asset.
• Experience with PLC, Drives, fiber optic communication, and Profibus/Profinet/Ethernet networks.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and analytical thinking
• Good understanding of control loop theory and automation architecture
• Ability to work under pressure in a 24/7 port environment
• Commitment to safety procedures and electrical standards
• Excellent documentation and communication skills
• Team player with a hands‑on, practical mindset

About Asian Terminals Incorporated

ATI operates the Manila South Harbor – the premier international trade gateway for Metro Manila, the Batangas Container Terminal – the most modern container port for Calabarzon, the Integrated Batangas Port which includes the Batangas Passenger Terminal – recognized as the Biggest, Busiest, and most Modern interisland transport hub in the country, and strategic Inland Logistics Terminals in Manila, Laguna and Batangas which serve as major dry port infrastructure and linchpins to economic zones in Luzon. In 2024, ATI launched its most recent marine infrastructure and innovative trade solution the Tanza Container Barge Terminal, operated by its subsidiary Tanza Container Terminal Inc. The container barge terminal is operationally linked to Manila South Harbor, offering direct connectivity for Cavite‑based industries to international destinations, while contributing to reducing carbon emissions and road traffic congestion by moving boxes more efficiently via barging.

By combining top quality Filipino management with the international leadership of DP World, ATI takes pride in providing comprehensive and reliable terminal and logistics services for commodities and people across markets, including containerized and non‑containerized cargoes, bulk and break‑bulk cargoes, roll‑on/roll‑off shipment, and local and international passengers -- comprehensive service offerings which come second to none in the Philippine port industry.

Anchored on four decades of proven industry track‑record, ATI sets its sights into the future by continuously investing on terminal infrastructure, processes, and technologies to further increase efficiency, safety, and productivity, while keeping in step with the robustly expanding economy. ATI ensures that these vital economic pillars remain responsive to market needs and competitive to customer demands in line with and in fulfilment of its commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority.