Lead Automation Engineer

GE Vernova; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm in Singapore seeks a Lead Automation Engineer to design and implement automation solutions, manage robotics projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance process efficiency. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in delivering automation projects and strong programming skills with industrial robots. This position offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience delivering industrial automation and robotics projects.
• Proven hands-on experience with industrial robot programming (ABB, Fanuc, UR, or KUKA).
• Experience integrating vision systems, motion control, and safety interlocks.

Responsibilities

• Define automation architecture and standards.
• Lead design and programming of industrial robots.
• Manage vendors and contractors through project phases.
• Monitor automation performance and drive improvement.

Skills

Industrial automation expertise

Robotic programming

Project management

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

ABB RobotStudio

FANUC ROBOGUIDE

CAD software (SolidWorks, Siemens NX)

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Lead Automation Engineer is responsible for industrializing and sustaining automation and robotic solutions to improve process repeatability, quality, and productivity across the repair facility. This role provides technical leadership in deploying industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and other automation methods to enable consistent and reliable repair processes. The engineer will collaborate with AMRT (Advanced Manufacturing & Repair Technology) and cross‑functional teams to standardize applied methods, drive scalability across processes, and build a sustainment program for long‑term reliability of automated systems.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Define automation architecture, standards, and best practices across PLCs, robotics, motion control, safety, and networking.

• Lead design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and collaborative robots (ABB, Fanuc, UR, KUKA) including integration with vision systems, drives, and HMIs.

• Translate business and process needs into control strategies, functional design specifications, and acceptance criteria.

• Lead automation projects from concept to handover—scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and resource coordination.

• Manage vendors, system integrators, and contractors through FAT/SAT planning, execution, and on‑time handover.

• Use offline programming and simulation tools (e.g., ABB RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE) for cell design and cycle‑time optimization.

• Design, program, and commission Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 systems (IEC 61131‑3 ladder, structured text, function block), including motion, EtherCAT I/O, and TwinSAFE.

• Conduct system validation and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and ensure documentation accuracy.

• Implement process control plans, PFMEA, and risk assessments for new automated systems.

• Monitor automation performance using key metrics (OEE, FPY, downtime) and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Develop sustainment programs for preventive maintenance, software version control, and operator competency.

• Partner with EHS, Quality, Maintenance, and IT to ensure system safety, cybersecurity, and compliance with Life Saving Rules.

• Mentor engineers and technicians in automation and robotics best practices.

• Support continuous improvement and Lean initiatives to enhance flow, safety, and process stability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering.

• Minimum 5+ years of experience delivering industrial automation and robotics projects from concept to commissioning.

• Proven hands‑on experience with industrial robot programming (ABB, Fanuc, UR, or KUKA).

• Strong knowledge of PLCs and control systems, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 (EtherCAT, motion, TwinSAFE).

• Demonstrated ability to manage automation projects, vendors, and FAT/SAT activities.

• Experience in process industrialization, qualification, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).

• Experience integrating vision systems, motion control, and safety interlocks.

• Familiarity with programming languages (Python, C++, or Java) for data interfaces or simulation.

• Knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks, Siemens NX) for tooling and layout design.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong problem‑solving and system integration skills.

• Excellent project management and communication abilities.

• Ability to work cross‑functionally and drive initiatives to completion.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.