Senior Automation Engineer

GEA

Alcobendas, Spain

About the position

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will join a dynamic, multicultural team and collaborate on international projects from contract signing to final delivery. You will play a key role in designing, implementing, and commissioning advanced automation solutions, while providing technical leadership and ensuring best practices across projects.

Your responsibilities and tasks

Implementing automation solutions for international projects (2–8 per year)
Designing, programming, and commissioning PLC and SCADA systems in industrial environments
Taking end-to-end accountability for automation scope delivery, ensuring quality, timing, and budget compliance
Traveling internationally for commissioning activities (up to 45% of your time)
Ensuring compliance with customer specifications, GEA norms, and automation standards
Documenting engineering activities and developing functional analyses
Supervising electrical panel assembly and FAT
Conducting equipment IO tests and basic electrical measurements
Coordinating with external suppliers for material procurement
Promoting innovation and productivity improvements
Adhering to and evaluating safety during commissioning
Providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers when required
Sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices across teams
Delivering regular progress reports and proactively managing project risks
Identifying and implementing innovation opportunities and new tools/products
Making operational decisions and delivering technical automation solutions

Your profile and qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering or similar (Automation, Telecommunications, etc.); Master’s degree is a plus
Minimum 2+ years of proven experience implementing PLC and SCADA automation solutions in industrial environments
Mechanical & electrical engineering know-how
Expertise in electricity, automation, control systems, and pneumatics
Advanced PLC programming (Siemens, Schneider, Rockwell) and HMI programming (Siemens, Schneider, Wonderware, Rockwell Factory Talk, Ignition)
Knowledge on industrial communication protocols and system architectures
Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, engineering tools, connectivity platforms)
Spanish (native) and high level of English (B2/C1); French, German, Portuguese highly valued
Strong written and oral communication skills
Hygienic design know-how and QHSE standards (especially IAA)
Familiarity with S88, S95, S101 norms
Ethics, compliance, and professionalism
Problem-solving mindset and ability to work autonomously
Cross-functional and multidisciplinary teamwork approach
Willingness to travel internationally