Automation Engineer

Job Summary  Are you ready to drive automation excellence and improve manufacturing performance through innovative control systems? IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. Global Operations:
Ensuring excellence in execution—from procurement to supply chain and reliability—delivering quality, safety, efficiency and sustainability across the value chain. The role is based in Tilburg, onsite. Be part of a proactive, solution‑oriented, and collaborative engineering team where together we can achieve operational excellence and make a real impact. As an Automation Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, implementing, and maintaining automation and control systems within our plant.

You will ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations by continuously improving systems across Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) environments.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

Design, develop, and implement automated systems and machinery to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce manual intervention

Program, test, and validate control systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA) to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability

Integrate equipment and systems to enable seamless plant operations and improved overall performance

Monitor system performance, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime

Act as the main point of contact for automation‑related topics and support cross‑functional teams

Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, EHS, Warehouse, and IT teams to align automation initiatives with business objectives

Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in process control and automation technologies

Develop and maintain documentation, including SOPs, system specifications, and maintenance records

What Makes You The Right Fit

Minimum diploma degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or Industrial Automation Engineering

At least 5 years of experience in PLC and SCADA programming is preferred

Solid understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, and process control (including interlock systems)

Experience with automation technologies such as PLC (e.g., Siemens, Emerson) and SCADA systems (e.g., iFIX, Cimplicity)

Knowledge of ATEX regulations and Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)

Fluent in Dutch and English, both written and spoken

Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively

Experience in regulated industries such as food or pharma (e.g., GMP, food safety standards)

Hands‑on mindset with strong communication and collaboration skills

How Would You Stand Out?

Experience working in complex manufacturing environments with multiple stakeholders

A proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation

Ability to translate technical challenges into practical, efficient solutions

Eager to learn, continuously develop their skills, and shows persistence in driving tasks through to completion

Why Choose Us?

Opportunity to work in a highly technical and impactful engineering role

Collaborative and supportive team environment across multiple disciplines

Exposure to advanced automation technologies and continuous improvement projects

Structured onboarding and development opportunities

A safe and quality‑driven working environment

Career growth opportunities within engineering and regional roles

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation or disability.

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