Automation Specialist

The Automation Technician (AT) supports Energy Drive’s engineering, maintenance, and IoT teams by delivering hands-on technical expertise across PLC & VFD systems, on site industrial IoT infrastructure, energy meters, power quality analysers and industrial instrumentation equipment. The role mitigates risk by bringing PLC programming and troubleshooting in-house, reducing dependency on third-party integrators, and improving project delivery continuity. 

The AT will act as a key field presence throughout the build, commissioning and operational lifecycle, bridging engineering design with on-site execution while also supporting post-installation maintenance, analytics, and system optimization.

The role also includes potential travel to support projects in other global regions when required, contributing to company-wide technical excellence and responsiveness.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Execution and Field Support

• Represent engineering during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and support early-stage site testing and inspection.
• Validate wiring, install devices, and configure networks (PLCs, VSDs, energy meters, modems, data loggers).
• Support Project Engineers during commissioning by taking responsibility for initial testing and troubleshooting.
• Assist with standardizing and updating PLC and HMI code libraries and documentation templates in collaboration with the EDS Group.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies to reduce costs and improve safety, quality productivity, reliability, uptime and energy performance.
• Recommend improvements to project processes based on prior experiences.
• Assess customer engineering requirements and ensure they are incorporated.
• Liaise with client engineering staff to promote Energy Drive's collaborative/partnering philosophy.
• Ensure a safe working environment by following all safety policies and procedures of Energy Drive, appointed SIs, contractors, and clients.
• Achieve departmental goals and KPIs, specifically achieving C5 sign-off within 60 days from C4 sign-off, focusing on system stability, energy performance, and reliability.
• Ensure installed systems reach and maintain required energy performance before C5 sign-off.

Programming and Troubleshooting 

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Commission Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) for optimal performance, motor protection and robust reliability.
• Set up, test, and resolve issues across industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, RS485, Ethernet/IP, Bacnet, etc).
• Support remote cloud based SCADA/HMI setup (preferably Ignition), review process diagrams, and validate control logic.

Digital Integration and Analytics

• Act as the in-field executor for the digital and analytics teams, validating data streams and escalating configuration issues.
• Translate IoT related system requirements from Project Engineers into Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) for use by the IoT team.
• Assist with data field mapping and perform diagnostics on live systems using tools like ModScan

Maintenance and Operational Support

• Respond to maintenance events on-site, performing diagnostics and minor repairs.
• Support the Maintenance Manager with communication, coordination, and quality checks for contractor work.
• Conduct routine system verifications and assist in planned preventive maintenance tasks.

Documentation and Knowledge Transfer

• Maintain accurate records of installation, commissioning, and field adjustments, including labelled photographs and updated diagrams.
• Provide structured feedback to improve EBP (engineering Best Practice) documentation, processes, QCPs, SOPs and related templates

Project Engineer / Energy Solutions Engineer Support

• Support in developing and issuing Request for Quote (RFQ) for prospective projects

SUCCESS PROFILE

Knowledge:

• Strong result orientation with deep technical expertise in automation
• Holds an Engineering degree (preferred) or a Diploma
• Proficient in PLC, HMI, and VFD programming, configuration, and troubleshooting
• Solid understanding of industrial instrumentation, control, and communication systems
• Working knowledge of energy metering and power quality analysis
• Familiar with industrial networks (e.g. Fieldbus, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, Ethernet)
• High proficiency in English (written and verbal), with additional European languages advantageous (Polish/ Spanish / German)

Experience:

• Ideal 10+ years of hands-on automation and control systems experience (5+ minimum)
• Proven success delivering complex system integration projects
• Experience in commissioning and troubleshooting LV and MV VFDs (preferable)
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks remotely and delegate effectively
• Skilled in planning, organising, and prioritising workloads to meet deadlines

COMPETENCIES:

• Driving Customer Value
• Fostering Collaboration
• Passion for Results
• Ensuring Efficiency & Excellence
• Navigating Conflicts
• Creating Ownership
• Eagerness to Grow
• Giving Direction

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical mindset with effective problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail and execution focus
• Self-starter with strong initiative and adaptability
• Collaborative and independent working style
• Open and generous in knowledge-sharing (abundance mindset)
• Willing to travel through EU & UK

• Statutory benefits and leave will apply.
• Participation in Company annual bonus scheme.