Junior Automation Engineer

Role Overview

You will be part of a field engineering team that keeps automated production lines running in bottling and manufacturing facilities across Africa. Day to day, you will install, test, and repair control systems, work directly with PLCs and HMIs, support machine commissioning, and step in quickly when production stops or performance slips. Your work matters because plant uptime, product quality, and operator safety all depend on automation systems being correctly configured, maintained, and improved — often in challenging industrial environments where speed and precision are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out on-site installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of automation and control systems in bottling and manufacturing plants.
• Diagnose and resolve faults in PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and robotic equipment, often under tight production deadlines.
• Support senior engineers in modifying control logic, updating software, and optimising system performance during plant operations.
• Assist with the integration and programming of robotic systems used in manufacturing processes, including testing and calibration of components.
• Deliver remote and on-site technical support to clients, helping them troubleshoot issues, adjust system behaviour, and understand root causes of failures.
• Train plant operators and maintenance crews on automation best practices, preventive maintenance, and safe operating procedures.
• Keep accurate service reports, diagnostic logs, and maintenance records, and feed client feedback into internal project teams for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with project managers, procurement staff, and electrical engineers to ensure automation components arrive on time and meet quality standards.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics, and membership with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
• 1–3 years of practical experience in automation field service, maintenance, or project-based engineering; experience in bottling, food processing, or similar manufacturing is a plus.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming across platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, or equivalent controllers.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and industrial communication protocols including Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, and related standards.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and control panel layouts with precision.
• Hands-on understanding of industrial sensors, actuators, motor control, VFDs, and robotics.
• Knowledge of automation safety standards, including IEC 61508, ISO 13849, and OSHA requirements, combined with a strong personal commitment to safe work practices.
• Practical experience with diagnostic tools, automation software, and troubleshooting methods used in live production environments.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to adapt to different client sites, cultures, and project conditions across multiple countries.