Senior Automation Engineer

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work independently and/or as part of a team in designing, engineering, testing, and commissioning of Siemens automation systems.
• Support Sales team with technical proposals, estimations, and budget calculations.
• Complete engineering tasks in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Liaise with customers, sub-contractors, vendors, and site contractors to achieve project engineering, testing, and commissioning targets.
• Support Root Cause Analyses of technical problems and carry out Corrective & Preventive maintenance as needed on sites.
• Support the development of engineering methodologies and standards and help achieve standardized solutions.

What do I need to qualify for this job?

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical, Automation or Controls Engineering, or a related polytechnical field of study, preferred with proven experience in Siemens Automation and Control systems.
• Typically, 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in design, engineering, testing, and commissioning of Siemens PCS7, WinCC, and TIA Portal systems is mandatory.
• Advanced working knowledge of Siemens PLC systems: Simatic S7 400, F & FH systems, S7 1200, S7 1500. TUV Certification for Safety Systems is preferred.
• Practical experience with Industrial Communication via Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, Ethernet networks is a must.
• Ability to establish communication interfaces with 3rd party MODBUS and PROFIBUS devices.
• Expertise in the field of operational concepts, I&C systems, DCS / SCADA specifications.
• Knowledge and work experience with Siemens PCS7 is a must and PCS7 V9.0 exposure is preferred. Full knowledge of Client-Server architectures, Historians, and knowledge of VMWare / Virtual systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of Industrial codes and standards – DIN/ ASME / API / ANSI / NEMA / NPFA / ATEX etc.
• Must be proficient with MS Office applications. Knowledge of Autocad, Sigraph, or Eplan is preferred.
• Experience with Windows Server, MS SQL Server, VMWare / Virtualization.
• Hands-on work experience with SCADA, DCS, ESD, and F&G systems.
• Electrical wiring in low voltage cabinets, ability to develop engineering drawings and wiring schematics, loop diagrams, and power distribution for automation systems.
• Ownership attitude when interfacing and coordinating with other business functions such as Sales, Customer Services, Finance, etc.
• Strong critical thinking, oral, and written communication skills.
• Intercultural sensitivity and willingness to travel on sites as needed.
• Ability to interface with field instrumentation is mandatory.
• Knowledge of ADNOC standards such as SAES and SAMS is preferred.
• Practical knowledge of Variable Frequency Drives will be preferred, but not mandatory.
• Basic knowledge of IT and OT Security that is required to ensure safe implementation of DCS and SCADA systems.

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Automation System Design and Development

• Designing automation systems for industrial processes, including PLC programming, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), HMI (Human Machine Interface), and DCS (Distributed Control Systems).
• Developing control strategies to automate complex processes, ensuring the systems are reliable, efficient, and scalable.
• Designing and implementing robotic automation systems and ensuring they integrate seamlessly with other automated equipment.
• Working with sensors, actuators, and communication protocols to create robust, integrated automation solutions.

2. PLC, SCADA, and HMI Programming

• Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric), configuring SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition), and developing HMI interfaces for user interaction.
• Writing, testing, and optimizing control programs using programming languages like Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagrams.
• Developing customized HMI screens to provide clear, intuitive operator interfaces for monitoring and controlling automated processes.

3. Automation Project Management

• Leading and managing automation projects from concept to completion, ensuring that they meet deadlines, budget constraints, and performance goals.
• Coordinating with cross-functional teams (e.g., electrical engineers, software developers, technicians) to ensure the successful integration of automated systems.
• Managing the project lifecycle, including scope definition, design, implementation, and commissioning of automation systems.
• Preparing project documentation, including technical specifications, test plans, and user manuals.

4. Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Networking

• Expertise in industrial control systems (ICS) and the integration of automation technologies into larger systems, such as SCADA or DCS.
• Proficient in networking protocols used in automation, including Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, and OPC.
• Configuring and troubleshooting networking systems for communication between PLCs, SCADA systems, sensors, and other industrial equipment.

5. Robotics and Motion Control

• Designing, programming, and optimizing robotic systems, including robot arms, mobile robots, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
• Experience in motion control systems and integrating servo motors, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), and other motion components into automation systems.
• Ensuring that robotic systems operate safely, efficiently, and with high precision in various industrial settings.

6. Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement

• Conducting performance analysis of automated systems to identify areas for improvement, reducing downtime, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing waste.
• Implementing lean automation techniques and principles to streamline operations and increase productivity.
• Using data analytics and machine learning tools to optimize system performance and predict maintenance needs (predictive maintenance).