Automation Engineer

Automation & Controls Engineer - Single-Use Systems

Location: Hillegom, Netherlands
Travel: Quarterly travel across Europe

About the Role

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.

What You'll Be Doing

Automation Engineering

• 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.

Documentation & Compliance

• 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.

Testing & Validation

• 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.

Project & Supplier Collaboration

• 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.

Customer Support

• 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.

What We're Looking For

Education & Experience

• 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.

Technical Skills

• 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.

Preferred Experience

• 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

Communication Protocols Knowledge

Experience with one or more of:

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

Personal Skills

• 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

Why Join Us?

• Work on innovative automation solutions for advanced Single-Use Systems.
• Combine software, controls, electrical engineering, and customer-facing project work.
• Gain international exposure through customer projects across Europe.
• Be part of a collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Contribute directly to the development of next-generation bioprocess and manufacturing technologies.

Interested? Let`s talk!

#LI-Onsite

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

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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.

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