Global Project Engineer Automation

As Project Engineer Automation, you will join the Group Engineering Department and play a key role in the implementation of the Group's automation strategy across CAPEX and revamping projects. You will work closely with the local technical and operational teams to develop and deploy automation solutions across our international production network. From defining the project scope and developing the initial concept and budget to tendering, detailed engineering, commissioning and aftercare, you will be involved throughout the full project lifecycle. The role offers a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, project management and international collaboration within a fast-growing industrial environment.

Your responsibilities

Lead automation projects from concept to commissioning

• Lead and/or execute automation engineering projects in close collaboration with the technical and operational teams at our plants.
• Manage projects throughout their full lifecycle: scope and requirements definition, concept development, budgeting, tendering, detailed engineering, implementation, commissioning and aftercare.
• Contribute to both CAPEX investments and revamping projects, ensuring that automation solutions meet operational, technical and business requirements.
• Coordinate external engineering partners, suppliers and technical experts when required.
• Ensure that projects are delivered in line with agreed scope, quality, budget and timing.

Support our international production sites

You will work across our international production network, supporting automation projects at:

• Lembeke, Belgium
• Mebane, USA
• Chonburi, Thailand
• Wolseley, South Africa

You will work closely with local Engineering, Maintenance, Production and Operations teams to understand their needs and translate them into robust and sustainable automation solutions.

Develop automation expertise

• Build and maintain strong automation expertise within the Group Engineering team.
• Act as a technical sparring partner for plant teams, suppliers and external specialists.
• Provide technical support to the plants on complex automation topics.
• Develop and maintain standards, guidelines and working procedures to ensure the reliable management and operation of automation systems.
• Apply structured project management methodologies throughout all phases of the project.

Drive innovation and continuous improvement

• Stay up to date with the latest developments in industrial automation, Industry 4.0, digitalisation, bakery technology and packaging equipment.
• Identify technologies and solutions that can improve the performance, reliability, flexibility and maintainability of our production equipment.
• Evaluate new technologies and assess their potential application within the Group's production environment.
• Document and share knowledge, best practices and technological developments with the Group Engineering team and local technical departments.

Your profile

You have a Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering or a related technical field, combined with several years of experience in industrial automation.

You ideally bring:

• Experience in an industrial manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLC and automation systems, with experience in Rockwell and/or Siemens highly valued.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA and industrial control systems.
• Experience managing or contributing to CAPEX, equipment integration or revamping projects.
• A good understanding of the interaction between automation, electrical, mechanical and production systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn complex technical challenges into clear, structured and practical solutions.
• A genuine interest in new technologies, digitalisation and Industry 4.0.
• A structured and hands-on approach, combined with the ability to work autonomously.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills and the ability to work effectively across different cultures and functions.
• Professional fluency in English; other languages are an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally to support projects across our production sites.

What we offer

• The opportunity to join a fast-growing international industrial company with a strong and ambitious engineering organisation.
• A role combining technical expertise, project management and international exposure.
• The opportunity to work on large-scale CAPEX and revamping projects across multiple production sites worldwide.
• A position with significant autonomy and the opportunity to have a direct impact on the Group's automation strategy.
• Continuous learning and exposure to new technologies, equipment and industrial challenges.
• A collaborative culture built around passion, team spirit and open dialogue.

Robert Walters Belgium is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.