Position: Automation Engineer
Location: Factory – Saudi Arabia (Sudair)
Job Type: Full-time
Reporting to: Maintenance Manager
Job Summary
To support the Maintenance and Engineering teams in maintaining troubleshooting and improving industrial automation systems and production equipment. The Automation Engineer will develop practical experience in PLC, HMI, VFD, sensors, instrumentation, electrical control systems, and industrial networks, while supporting preventive maintenance and continuous improvement activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, VFD, servo drives, sensors, and control systems.
- Assist senior engineers and technicians during machine breakdowns and corrective maintenance.
- Support preventive maintenance activities for automation and control equipment.
- Assist with PLC and HMI program backups, documentation, and version control.
- Monitor and maintain automation-related parameters and machine settings.
- Support troubleshooting communication issues between PLCs, HMIs, drives, and field devices.
- Assist in identifying recurring automation failures and participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Support machine commissioning, testing, and modification activities.
- Assist with automation improvement projects aimed at improving OEE, reliability, and machine performance.
- Maintain updated records of PLC/HMI programs, electrical drawings, parameters, and technical documentation.
- Support interaction with OEMs and external suppliers during technical troubleshooting.
- Participate in machine inspections and identify potential automation-related improvement opportunities.
- Follow all LOTO, electrical safety, and factory safety procedures.
- Provide technical support to maintenance technicians when required.
- Learn and apply the factory's CMMS/EAM system for maintenance activities and equipment history.
Technical Areas to Develop
The engineer will be expected to develop competency in:
- PLC programming and troubleshooting
- HMI systems
- VFDs and servo drives
- Industrial sensors and instrumentation
- Pneumatic control systems
- Electrical control panels
- Industrial communication networks
- SCADA systems
- Machine safety systems
- PLC/HMI software backup and restoration
- Basic electrical drawings and control schematics
- CMMS/EAM systems
Preferred PLC Platforms
Knowledge of any of the following is an advantage:
- Siemens
- Allen-Bradley / Rockwell
- Schneider
Required Skills
- Basic understanding of PLC and automation principles.
- Basic knowledge of electrical circuits and control systems.
- Ability to read electrical/control diagrams.
- Basic troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Good understanding of sensors, motors, VFDs, and industrial equipment.
- Good computer skills.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment and support breakdowns when required.
- Strong interest in learning industrial automation and maintenance.
Behavioral Competencies
- Problem-solving mindset
- Continuous learning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Accountability
- Communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Proactive approach
First-Year Development Objectives
During the first year, the engineer should progressively become able to:
- Troubleshoot basic PLC/HMI faults independently.
- Perform PLC/HMI backups and maintain software records.
- Troubleshoot basic VFD and sensor-related failures.
- Read and understand electrical control drawings.
- Support machine commissioning and modification activities.
- Participate in RCA for recurring automation failures.
- Understand the factory's major production and packaging lines.
- Use the CMMS/EAM system correctly.
- Develop basic PLC/HMI programming skills.
- Support automation improvement projects that contribute to downtime reduction and OEE improvement.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Automation-related breakdown response time
- Completion of PLC/HMI backup activities
- Preventive maintenance compliance
- Number of recurring automation/system failures reduced
- Automation improvement projects completed
- Reduction in automation-related downtime
- CMMS/EAM data accuracy
- Completion of assigned training and competency development
Required Qualifications
- Diploma or bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Control Engineering, or a related field.
- Fresh graduate or 2 years of experience in industrial environments.
- Internship experience in manufacturing, automation, electrical systems, or maintenance is preferred.
