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
Requirements
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
Benefits
- Statutory benefits and leave will apply.
- Participation in Company annual bonus scheme.