Automation Engineer

We are seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and implementation of automation solutions for innovative Single-Use Systems. In this role, you will be responsible for developing PLC and HMI software, designing industrial control systems, supporting validation activities, and creating technical documentation for customer and internal projects.

Working closely with Design Engineers, Quality, Suppliers, and External Contractors, you will play a key role in delivering reliable and scalable automation solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards.

This position is based in Hillegom and requires quarterly travel across Europe to support system commissioning, troubleshooting, customer acceptance testing, and technical project activities.

• Design and develop automation solutions for Single-Use Systems.
• Create PLC and HMI software for new product development and customer-specific projects.
• Specify complete automation systems, including hardware and software architecture.
• Design industrial control panels, starter panels, and HMI solutions.
• Develop electrical and instrumentation control system concepts and detailed designs.

• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including:
  • Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
  • Software Design Specifications (SDS)
  • Operation & Maintenance Manuals
  • FAT and SAT protocols
  • Electrical schematics and single-line diagrams
• Review and approve vendor and subcontractor documentation.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements and engineering standards.

• Perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Troubleshoot automation systems and support validation activities.
• Conduct software testing, bug tracking, and issue resolution.
• Support commissioning and start-up activities at customer sites.

• Prepare automation RFQs based on User Requirement Specifications (URS).
• Select and specify automation components and control system hardware.
• Collaborate with suppliers and subcontractors to implement state-of-the-art automation technologies.
• Support project costing, estimation, and quotation activities.

• Provide technical support to customers throughout project lifecycles.
• Travel to customer sites for troubleshooting, commissioning, and system optimization.
• Build strong long-term relationships with customers and technical partners.

• Bachelor's degree (HBO) in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Software Engineering, Operational Technology, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a combination of relevant technical education and practical experience.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or industrial software development.

• Experience with:
  • PLC Programming
  • HMI Programming
• Ability to create, interpret, and review electrical drawings and schematics.
• Experience developing control system architectures and industrial automation solutions.
• Experience with FAT, SAT, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Familiarity with bug tracking and software testing methodologies.

• Siemens TIA Portal
• SCADA systems
• CODESYS
• GMP and GDP Principles – Working experience in GMP environments or highly regulated industries
• Process automation environments
• Instrumentation and control systems
• Piping and tubing systems
• P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams)
• Pneumatics and pneumatic control logic

Experience with one or more of:

• PROFINET
• Profibus
• EtherCAT
• Ethernet/IP
• Modbus TCP
• TCP/IP
• IO-Link

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple technical projects simultaneously.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent English

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

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By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.