Automation Engineer

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Location: Nigeria

Description

• This role ensures the reliability and efficiency of PLCs, SCADA, and related systems, supports troubleshooting and maintenance activities, and drives continuous improvement through automation initiatives.
• The position also plays a key role in implementing projects, enhancing process performance, and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
• The Automation Engineer is responsible for managing, optimizing, and maintaining industrial automation and control systems across production operations.

What We Ask

• We are seeking a highly skilled Automation Engineer with strong expertise in industrial automation systems, control engineering, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities
Automation Systems Management:

• Maintain and optimize all automation and control systems across production lines.
• Ensure all PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and associated systems are functioning efficiently and reliably.
• Monitor system performance and implement improvements for efficiency and uptime.

Programming & Troubleshooting:

• Provide technical support for electrical and automation-related breakdowns.
• Diagnose and resolve faults in automation systems to minimize downtime.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and SCADA programs.

Maintenance & Reliability:

• Develop and track automation-related KPIs for performance monitoring.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance activities for automation systems.
• Ensure proper documentation and version control of automation programs.

Projects & Continuous Improvement:

• Drive process automation improvements to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
• Participate in and lead automation-related projects, including upgrades and new installations.
• Support digital transformation initiatives within the plant.

Documentation & Compliance:

• Maintain accurate documentation of control systems, schematics, and configurations.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support audit processes and continuous improvement frameworks.

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and external vendors.
• Liaise with OEMs, contractors, and system integrators on automation solutions.

Health & Safety:

• Support implementation of safety interlocks and fail-safe systems.
• Identify and report safety risks associated with automation systems.
• Ensure all automation activities comply with FrieslandCampina safety standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in automation project implementation, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI/SCADA systems, and process control systems.
• 5–8 years’ experience in industrial automation, preferably within FMCG or manufacturing.

Technical Expertise:

• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, drives, and control panels.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Familiarity with CMMS/MMS systems and integration with automation platforms.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, DCS, and industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for industrial control systems is an added advantage.
• Ability to design, program, and maintain automation systems for production lines.

Key Competencies:

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.
• Data-driven mindset with focus on performance improvement and efficiency.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong project management and execution capability.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Continuous learning mindset, keeping up with emerging automation technologies.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• High level of ownership and accountability.
• Strong collaboration skills with ability to work in cross-functional teams.