The Automation, Electrical & Controls Engineer (AE&C) is responsible for the development, maintenance and optimization of automation and control systems in a UPW treatment plant. The role focuses on PLC programming, SCADA integration, industrial communications and instrumentation management to ensure safe, reliable and efficient plant operation.
Working closely with Operations and Maintenance teams, the AE&C Engineer supports troubleshooting, system improvements and plant upgrades, contributing to increased automation, performance and operational reliability across the facility.
The AE&C Engineer acts as a key technical reference for all automation and electrical control-related topics, supporting both Operations and Maintenance teams in troubleshooting, optimization and continuous improvement initiatives. The ro/le includes the development of communication interfaces between control systems and field devices, as well as the configuration and commissioning of VFDs, sensors and other process-critical equipment.
How you'll make an impact:
Program, modify and troubleshoot PLC system for water treatment processes
Develop and optimize automation logic to improve plant performance, reliability and operational efficiency
Develop communication interfaces between PLCs, field devices and supervisory control systems
Manage industrial communication networks and fieldbus systems, including troubleshooting of communication issues
Configure, commission and maintain Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor control systems
Support the specification, installation and commissioning of instrumentation, control equipment, upgrades and plant modifications
Perform diagnostics and troubleshooting on electrical, automation and control systems
Maintain and update electrical drawings, I/O lists, Exchange Table and technical documentation
Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to identify and implement process improvements
Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for automation and electrical failures
Maintain work areas, workshops, equipment and storage locations in accordance with 5S principles, ensuring high standards of housekeeping, safety and operational efficiency
Operate in full compliance with company procedures, environmental regulations, quality requirements and HSE standards, maintaining a strong focus on safety, operational excellence and customer satisfaction
Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated Automation Engineer with strong expertise in industrial automation, electrical systems and process control
The ideal candidate combines hands-on troubleshooting capabilities with software development skills and is comfortable working both in the field and on control systems
Capable to handle Siemens TIA Portal, STEP 7, and SIMATIC Manager
Proven experience with S7-400, S7-400H, S7-1500 PLCs (programming and industrial automation systems) and HMI / Scada software such as, Intouch or System Platform.
Proven Experiences with Industrial networks: Profinet, Profibus, Modbus
Ability to develop communication interfaces between field devices, PLCs and SCADA systems
Experience in commissioning and troubleshooting Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Knowledge of process instrumentation, including Flow meters, Pressure transmitters, Level transmitters, Temperature sensors, pH analyzers, Conductivity/Resistivity analyzers
Knowledge of electrical distribution systems, motor control centers (MCCs), actuated valves and field electrical equipment
Ability to read and interpret: P&IDs, Electrical schematics, Loop diagrams, Control system architecture drawings
Experience in low-voltage electrical distribution, maintenance and troubleshooting
Knowledge of electrical protection systems
Understanding of harmonic mitigation technologies, including Active Harmonic Filters (AHF)
Readiness for “On call support” for customer sitesRole Summary
The Automation, Electrical & Controls Engineer (AE&C) is responsible for the development, maintenance and optimization of automation and control systems in a UPW treatment plant. The role focuses on PLC programming, SCADA integration, industrial communications and instrumentation management to ensure safe, reliable and efficient plant operation.
Working closely with Operations and Maintenance teams, the AE&C Engineer supports troubleshooting, system improvements and plant upgrades, contributing to increased automation, performance and operational reliability across the facility.
The AE&C Engineer acts as a key technical reference for all automation and electrical control-related topics, supporting both Operations and Maintenance teams in troubleshooting, optimization and continuous improvement initiatives. The role includes the development of communication interfaces between control systems and field devices, as well as the configuration and commissioning of VFDs, sensors and other process-critical equipment.
Careers Advancing Ovivo Ultra-Pure Water+ by Ecolab’s Water Technology Solutions
Help shape the future of water and technology by joining a team that drives innovation in ultrapure water solutions —critical to industries powering global progress. These careers offer the chance to make an impact that matters solving complex challenges, collaborating across borders, and creating solutions that protect vital resources. If you’re passionate about water circularity, sustainability and technology, explore opportunities where your expertise fuels advancement and your growth is supported.
About Ecolab:
At Ecolab, we prioritize our talent-first philosophy by creating the most capable and diverse team to excel at our nearly three million customer sites. Building on a century of innovation, our 48,000 associates help deliver comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. Our solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainability and public health, making a positive impact on the world. We are committed to eliminating unnecessary complexities and embracing a beginner's mindset, continuously seeking new perspectives and innovative solutions to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
Ecolab’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) reflects our longstanding value of working together to integrate diverse perspectives to challenge ourselves, reach our goals and do what’s right.
Apply today and join one of the most ethical companies with over a hundred years of history.
Join Ecolab and help us protect what’s vital.
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Compensation Range:
The annual pay range for this position is 30,000--35.000-40,000 EUR.Benefits:
Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits.
Collective Agreement Information (Italy):
In Italy, Ecolab applies the Metalmeccanico Collective Labour Agreement.
Skills Required
- PLC programming and troubleshooting
- Siemens TIA Portal
- STEP 7
- SIMATIC Manager
- Experience with S7-400, S7-400H, S7-1500 PLCs
- HMI / SCADA software (InTouch or System Platform)
- Industrial networks: Profinet, Profibus, Modbus
- Configure, commission and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Knowledge of process instrumentation (flow, pressure, level, temperature, pH, conductivity/resistivity analyzers)
- Knowledge of electrical distribution systems and motor control centers (MCCs)
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, loop diagrams and control system architecture drawings
- Experience in low-voltage electrical distribution maintenance and troubleshooting
- Knowledge of electrical protection systems
- Understanding of harmonic mitigation technologies including Active Harmonic Filters (AHF)
- On-call support readiness for customer sites
- Maintain technical documentation, I/O lists and Exchange Tables
- Familiarity with 5S principles, HSE and quality compliance
Ecolab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ecolab and has not been reviewed or approved by Ecolab.
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Retirement Support — Feedback suggests the company provides strong retirement programs, including a 401(k) with employer matching and a pension, alongside options like an employee stock purchase plan. Offerings such as retiree healthcare benefits and diverse investment choices reinforce long-term financial support.
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Healthcare Strength — Feedback suggests medical coverage is broad, with HSA plan options and company contributions, prescription benefits, dental and vision, and virtual care and mental health support. Company-paid wellness programs and income protection (short- and long-term disability, life and accident) further strengthen core coverage.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-focused programs include fertility support, adoption assistance, and paid parental leave, complemented by counseling and resource services. These offerings are positioned as supportive of employee well-being across different life stages.
Ecolab Insights
What We Do
A trusted partner at nearly three million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. With annual sales of $12 billion and more than 44,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights and personalized service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com, or follow us on twitter.com/ecolab, facebook.com/ecolab or instagram.com/ecolab_inc.
