Automation Engineer

We are looking for an experienced  Automation Engineer  to support manufacturing and packaging operations in a GMP-regulated environment. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems to ensure reliable production while minimizing downtime.

You will serve as the automation specialist within the maintenance team, acting as the first point of escalation for automation-related issues, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and coaching technicians on automation best practices. The role requires close collaboration with production, engineering, and IT teams while ensuring compliance with GMP standards, company procedures, and applicable regulations.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced maintenance activities on automation, electrical, mechanical, and computerized systems (ISA Level 1–3).

Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues, including PLC, SCADA, and HMI platforms.

Monitor, maintain, and optimize automation systems to maximize equipment reliability and production efficiency.

System backups and restores

Equipment access management

Audit trail reviews

Preventive maintenance improvements

Support patching activities with DTI teams

Act as the first point of escalation for automation-related incidents and coordinate with Automation Engineers, DTI teams, and external vendors where required.

Establish secure remote connections for vendors and manage technical support requests with vendor hotlines.

Develop, review, and update technical documentation, work instructions, and procedures.

Maintain accurate work order documentation and ensure GMP-compliant maintenance records.

Interpret and update technical drawings where required.

Lead automation knowledge sharing within the maintenance team by creating training materials, coaching Senior Maintenance Technicians, and delivering technical training.

Participate in technical and corporate training programs.

Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, engineering, and other stakeholders to ensure high customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Ensure all work is performed in compliance with GMP requirements, company procedures, SOPs, and applicable government regulations and standards (including NEN).

Requirements

MBO+ or Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands‑on experience.

Minimum of 3 years' experience in a GMP‑regulated manufacturing or packaging environment.

Strong experience maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMI.

Good understanding of GMP requirements and computerized system maintenance.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams.

Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Willingness to work in shift‑based operations, including occasional off‑hours support.

Ability to act independently as the first point of escalation for automation‑related issues.

Nice to Have

Certifications in automation platforms such as Siemens or Rockwell.

Maintenance reliability or GMP compliance certifications (e.g., CMRT or ISA).

Experience leading automation initiatives or acting as the automation subject matter expert within a maintenance team.

Experience training, mentoring, and coaching maintenance technicians.

Experience developing technical training materials and work instructions.

Demonstrated success contributing to continuous improvement, system optimization, or automation reliability projects.

Location:

Breda

Contract:

1-year contract with the possibility of extension

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