Senior Automation Engineer

Summary

We are looking for highly skilled Staff Automation Engineer with expertise in Design and Integration for industrial automation systems. This role is crucial in developing and deploying automated machinery, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software solutions. The ideal candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance, reliable automation solutions for manufacturing operations.

The incumbent reports to the Director, Research & Development

Overall System Design Architecture

• Define and develop the complete automation system architecture, ensuring seamless integration of software, hardware, and communication networks.

• Collaborate with design, mechanical, and electrical engineers to establish system specifications, functional requirements, and performance benchmarks.

• Develop system layouts and flowcharts to visualize automation processes, control logic, and data flow between components.

• Ensure modular and scalable architecture, allowing future expansion, upgrades, and easy maintenance.

• Select appropriate hardware and software platforms, ensuring compatibility with industrial standards and customer requirements.

• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing, to enhance automation capabilities.

• Conduct risk assessments and failure mode analysis (FMEA) to ensure system reliability and safety compliance.

• Optimize system performance, ensuring efficient communication between controllers, sensors, actuators, and data management platforms.
  

Automation Software Development

• Design, develop, and implement control software for automated machines, ensuring seamless interaction between mechanical, electrical, and software components.

• Develop PLC, SCADA, HMI, and robotic programming logic tailored to specific machine functions and customer requirements.

• Create custom software applications to optimize automation processes, including data logging, reporting, and system diagnostics.
  

System Integration & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with design engineers to translate mechanical and electrical system requirements into functional automation software.

• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to define motion control strategies, robotics integration, and safety mechanisms.

• Coordinate with electrical engineers to integrate sensors, actuators, and industrial communication networks into automation systems.

• Support manufacturing teams by ensuring automation systems are designed for scalability, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
  

Connectivity and Industrial Communication

• Develop and integrate industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT) to ensure reliable data exchange between automation components.

• Implement connectivity between PLCs, SCADA systems, cloud platforms, and enterprise IT systems (ERP, MES).

• Ensure cybersecurity best practices in networked automation systems to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
  

Simulation, Testing and Commissioning

• Utilize simulation tools, software-in-the-loop (SIL) techniques or industry standard approaches to validate automation system performance before deployment.

• Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and on-site commissioning to ensure smooth integration with production lines.

• Troubleshoot and resolve software-related issues during machine testing and production ramp-up.
  

Continuous Improvement & Technology Advancement

• Analyze system performance data and optimize software algorithms for improved efficiency, cycle time, and reliability.

• Research and implement advanced technologies, such as AI-based predictive maintenance, machine vision, and IoT-enabled automation.

• Maintain software documentation, version control, and knowledge-sharing practices to ensure long-term maintainability.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field

• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in industrial automation - system design, software development, and solution integration
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge on industrial automation system design

• Strong expertise in PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, Omron, etc.).

• Proficiency in SCADA/HMI systems (Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC, etc.).

• Experience with robotic programming (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or similar).

• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT).

• Familiarity with database systems (SQL, NoSQL) and software development languages (Python, C#, C++, Java, Visual Basic, or similar).

• Familiar with Delta Tau’s Power PMCA script language

• Experience in machine vision and AI-based automation solutions.

• Knowledge of IoT and cloud-based industrial automation (AWS, Azure, Edge Computing).

• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Industry 4.0 principles.

• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and excellent communication skills