Automation & Process Controls Engineer

OVERVIEW:

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation & Process Controls Engineer serves as the regional technical expert responsible for industrial automation, process control systems, manufacturing connectivity, and digital manufacturing initiatives across Magnera’s EMEIA operations.

This role bridges Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) by supporting automation systems, PLCs, SCADA platforms, industrial networks, data acquisition, and manufacturing systems integration. The position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Reliability, Maintenance, Capital Projects, and IT teams to improve process stability, operational efficiency, asset performance, and data-driven decision making.

The role is instrumental in deploying Magnera's digital manufacturing roadmap including Industrial IoT, Ignition platform solutions, advanced analytics, process visualization, and future AI-enabled manufacturing capabilities.

Automation & Process Control

• Provide technical leadership for process control and automation systems across EMEIA manufacturing sites.
• Support PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial communication systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system and automation issues.
• Standardize automation architectures and control philosophies.
• Lead process optimization initiatives utilizing automation and advanced controls.
• Support start-ups, commissioning, and performance validation for new equipment and capital projects.

IT/OT Connectivity & Digital Manufacturing

• Deploy and support enterprise IT/OT architecture standards.
• Develop and maintain connectivity between manufacturing equipment and enterprise data platforms.
• Implement OPC-UA, MQTT, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and related industrial communication standards.
• Support Unified Namespace (UNS) architecture and industrial data models.
• Assist with implementation and support of Inductive Automation Ignition platforms.
• Enable real-time data collection, visualization, historian systems, and manufacturing dashboards.

Manufacturing Systems Integration

• Collaborate with IT teams on infrastructure, cybersecurity, network segmentation, and system governance.
• Support integration between OT systems and enterprise platforms including SAP and manufacturing analytics applications.
• Define and maintain automation documentation, architecture diagrams, and system standards.
• Ensure proper backup, recovery, and lifecycle management of automation systems.

Cybersecurity & Governance

• Support OT cybersecurity practices and risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist with system patch management, obsolescence planning, and technology refresh programs.
• Ensure compliance with corporate IT/OT standards and engineering best practices.
• Participate in cybersecurity assessments and remediation efforts.

Capital Projects & Technology Deployment

• Provide automation and controls expertise for regional capital projects.
• Develop automation scopes, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Evaluate and select automation technologies, instrumentation, and suppliers.
• Manage automation-related project activities from design through commissioning.
• Support deployment of robotics, machine vision, AI-enabled monitoring, and advanced manufacturing solutions.

Continuous Improvement & Capability Development

• Identify process improvement opportunities using operational and process data.
• Partner with site teams to improve uptime, productivity, quality, and process consistency.
• Develop technical standards, training materials, and best-practice documentation.
• Support development of a regional automation and controls community of practice

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, process control, manufacturing technology, or related engineering disciplines.
• Experience supporting manufacturing facilities in a multi-site environment preferred.
• Experience working collaboratively across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT organizations.
• Written/Spoken Fluency in English is essential; other languages a plus(German, French, Spanish, etc.)
• Preferred experience with:
  • PLC platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, Schneider, Omron, or equivalent)
• SCADA/HMI systems
• Ignition Platform (highly desired)
• Industrial networking and communications
• OPC-UA, MQTT, Modbus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP
• Industrial databases and historians
• SQL and reporting tools
• Data visualization platforms (Power BI or equivalent)
• Process instrumentation and control devices
• Machine vision, robotics, or advanced manufacturing technologies
• OT cybersecurity principles
• Python, scripting, or automation programming
• Ability to travel 30-50%