Senior Automation Engineer

Olam Cocoa Pte Ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Olam Cocoa Pte Ltd in Singapore seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead maintenance, design, and integration of advanced automation systems across our cocoa processing operations. You will drive reliability, implement modernization initiatives, and mentor junior engineers within a cross-functional team.

The role requires 5-8 years in industrial automation, with strong ABB 800xA DCS, Schneider and Siemens PLC skills, plus experience with SCADA systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Automation Engineering or related discipline.
• 5-8 years' experience in industrial automation, preferably in food & beverage or FMCG.
• Experience leading automation projects and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Strong proficiency in ABB 800xA DCS, Schneider & Siemens PLC programming, SCADA systems (Fix32 or equivalent), client-server architectures and industrial control systems.
• Solid understanding of control systems, industrial networking, and automation principles.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while driving initiatives and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Experience in food manufacturing environments with knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and sanitation standards is a plus.
• Exposure to robotics, vision systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Responsibilities

• System Maintenance & Reliability: maintain automation systems to ensure high availability.
• System Design & Integration: drive design, development, and implementation of new automation systems and processes.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Expertise: lead root cause analysis to minimize production impact.
• Continuous Improvement & Optimization: identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Documentation & Standards: maintain comprehensive technical documentation and compliance.
• Technology Leadership: stay current with emerging automation technologies and lead upgrades.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: partner with production, engineering, and maintenance teams; mentor junior staff.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ABB 800xA DCS

Schneider PLC

Siemens PLC

Fix32 SCADA

Job description

Job Title

Senior Automation Engineer

ofi,is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients.Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious, and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we alwaysmake it real.

This role will be part of our Cocoa business, and we provide great natural cocoa ingredients to customers all over the world, working with partners across the supply chain to create indulgent treats for consumers and a positive future for cocoa. The portfolio of our cocoa company includes both legacy brands and newer faces; deZaan, Unicao, Joanes, Macao etc. All are market leaders that can meet our clients’ specific regional or global cocoa needs.

Position Responsibilities:

System Maintenance & Reliability

• Lead preventive and corrective maintenance of automation systems, including ABB 800xA DCS, Schneider and Siemens PLCs, and Fix32 SCADA platforms.

• Ensure high system availability and reliability with minimal downtime.

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies to enhance long-term system performance.

System Design & Integration

• Drive the design, development, and implementation of new automation systems and process improvements.

• Design and program control logic, develop HMI interfaces, and integrate SCADA and DCS systems.

• Architect and implement interfaces for smart devices such as robots, label applicators, and other automated equipment.

• Provide technical leadership in system architecture decisions and project execution.

Troubleshooting & Technical Expertise

• Lead root cause analysis and resolve complex automation issues with a focus on minimizing production impact.

• Serve as the escalation point for critical system failures.

• Provide advanced technical support for automation equipment including robots and applicators.

Continuous Improvement & Optimization

• Identify opportunities to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and performance.

• Drive optimization initiatives leveraging data, analytics, and best practices in automation.

• Champion innovation and implementation of new technologies to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Documentation & Standards

• Establish and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, standards, and procedures.

• Ensure all system changes and upgrades are properly documented and compliant with internal and regulatory requirements.

Technology Leadership

• Stay current with emerging automation technologies, industry trends, and best practices.

• Evaluate, recommend, and lead implementation of system upgrades and modernization initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operations.

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering technical capability within the team.

• Support project teams in automation-related initiatives and capital projects.

To be successful in the role, the incumbent should have the following qualities:

• Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 5-8 years' experience in industrial automation, preferably within the food & beverage or FMCG sector.

• Demonstrated experience in leading automation projects and troubleshooting complex systems.

• Strong proficiency in ABB 800xA DCS, Schneider & Siemens PLC programming, SCADA systems (Fix32 or equivalent), Client-server architectures and industrial control systems.

• Solid understanding of control systems, industrial networking, and automation principles.

• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.

• Ability to work independently while driving initiatives and influencing cross-functional teams.

• An added advantage will be experience in food manufacturing environments, with knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and sanitation standards.

• Exposure to robotics, vision systems, and industry 4.0 technologies