Automation Engineer (Instrumentation/Electrical)

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for industry, with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries, including energy transition, sustainable construction, and consumer goods. Imerys leverages its expertise in material science, applications, and technology to deliver solutions that enhance product performance while promoting responsible development and decarbonization efforts.

About the role

The Automation Engineer is responsible for instrumentation, electrical, and automation maintenance and engineering functions in support of operating departments. This role provides engineering assistance and technical support while directly supervising the Instrumentation/Electrical (I/E) group. Responsibilities include managing processes, procedures, and a combination of instrument, electrical, and automation activities to research, develop, design, test, and maintain operating facilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, specification, programming, simulation, testing, and start-up assistance for automation and controls systems, with proven experience in PLC logic and programming.
• Manage repair, installation, calibration, and preventative/predictive maintenance of electric, electronic, and pneumatic instruments and facility systems.
• Supervise facility electrical and instrument activities, applying design knowledge in power distribution, grounding, lighting, control systems, and equipment specification.
• Analyze complex engineering problems and offer effective resolutions.
• Manage existing electrical distribution systems and plan maintenance using recognized industry standards and specifications.
• Perform system calculations and studies for electrical power systems, including load flow, voltage drop, motor starting, short circuit studies, and relay coordination studies.
• Develop test requirements and assist in electrical equipment checkout and startup.
• Review and check project electrical installation drawings for compliance with company and project instructions (e.g., one-line diagrams, electrical equipment location drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams).
• Assist in the development of project schedules and manpower requirements.
• Review technical vendor submittals for installation requirements.
• Manage the specification, development, installation, and validation of electrical and automation projects within budget and company guidelines.
• Develop and manage energy consumption metrics, oversee power supply contracts, and optimize energy consumption based on production strategy and energy prices.
• Develop and maintain maintenance key performance indicators for equipment care and implement best practices for electrical maintenance in plants.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering or scientific discipline plus 2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and 5 years of related experience.
• Preferred background in mining or mineral processing, particularly involving dry solids processing and handling, with kiln and mill operational experience.
• Strong background in control systems and programmable logic controls (PLCs).
• Understanding of ISO and Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) as they relate to I/E functions (preferred).
• Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association/National Electrical Code (NFPA/NEC) Standards, IEEE/IES/API Standards, and working experience in NFPA70E administration (preferred).

Skills

• Expertise in Microsoft Office and basic office computer software; working knowledge of AutoCAD preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with co-workers, supervisors, and vendors.
• Ability to read and comprehend work instructions, equipment manuals, safety procedures, electrical control diagrams, P&IDs, and PLC programming logic.
• Self-motivated, well-organized, and able to plan and prioritize work to minimize operational disruptions while improving equipment reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Environment

• Frequent walking, standing, and sitting with exposure to seasonal climatic conditions and typical manufacturing environment.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and/or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.
• Approximately 60% office environment and 40% plant environment.

This is a full-time, permanent position.