Senior Automation Engineer

Job type:  Full-time

Team:        Engineering

Start:         Q1 2026

Please note that preference will be given to candidates already residing in the Netherlands to ensure a smoother onboarding process. At this time, we are not able to provide relocation support.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will be leading design, development, and commissioning of automated coating systems. The role is hands-on and combines PLC programming with practical electrical and mechanical engineering, working closely with a small, multidisciplinary team. You will contribute across the full lifecycle of our machines, from early concepts and hardware selection through implementation, testing, commissioning, and ongoing support. The position offers a high level of technical ownership and close interaction with the machines you help build.

This role suits an experienced automation engineer who enjoys solving technical problems, working across disciplines, and improving systems over time. You will play an important part in refining existing solutions while helping develop new automation and robotics capabilities as the technology evolves.

Your key responsibilities:

• Lead the design and delivery of automation solutions from concept and architecture through production deployment and lifecycle support;
• Define system requirements and select hardware architectures, ensuring robustness, scalability, and compliance with relevant standards;
• Develop, review, and optimize advanced PLC software; establish best practices for structure, documentation, and reuse;
• Architect, develop, and maintain HMI/SCADA systems with a focus on usability, reliability, and maintainability;
• Plan and lead I/O testing, commissioning, and site acceptance activities for complex industrial systems;
• Own and continuously improve existing codebases, driving refactoring initiatives to enhance stability, performance, and long-term maintainability;
• Act as a technical interface between automation, mechanical, and electrical disciplines, ensuring cohesive system integration;
• Provide expert-level technical support to customers and internal teams, including troubleshooting of complex issues;
• Proactively identify opportunities for functional, performance, and process improvements, and drive their implementation;
• Mentor and technically guide junior engineers, contributing to knowledge sharing and team development.

We are looking for

Professional qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering;
• 7+ years of experience in automation engineering or a closely related role, with responsibility for complex systems;
• Deep hands-on expertise in PLC programming (e.g. Siemens TIA Portal), including architecture, standards, and troubleshooting;
• Strong experience with industrial hardware, I/O testing, commissioning, and system validation;
• Solid understanding of electrical design, assembly, and industrial wiring practices;
• Strong mechanical insight and the ability to reason about machines as integrated systems;
• Experience designing for reliability, safety, and maintainability in industrial environments;
• Proficiency in Python or other high-level languages for tooling, testing, or data handling is a strong plus.

Professional qualifications and skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams;
• Demonstrated ability to take technical ownership and make sound engineering decisions independently;
• High attention to detail and quality;
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.

We offer:

• Salary range EUR 4200 – 5200 gross per month for a 40-hour work week. The exact amount depends on the seniority of the candidate;
• 8% holiday allowance;
• 25 vacation days;
• Flexible working hours;
• Healthy lunch;
• Pension plan;
• Being part of a movement to disrupt the traditional coating industry with innovative solutions;
• Being a part of a tight-knit team;
• Growth opportunities;
• Self-development opportunities;
• Flat hierarchy while still maintaining professional management.