The Role
Design, program, and commission PLC/SCADA and HMI automation systems for international industrial projects, lead delivery end-to-end, supervise panel assembly and FAT, perform IO tests, coordinate suppliers, mentor junior engineers, ensure compliance with standards, drive innovation, and travel up to 45% for commissioning.
Summary Generated by Built In
As a Senior Automation Engineer based in our Alcobendas (Madrid, Spain) office, you will join a dynamic, multicultural team and collaborate on international projects from contract signing to final delivery. You will play a key role in designing, implementing, and commissioning advanced automation solutions, while providing technical leadership, ensuring best practices across projects, and supporting the successful delivery of automation systems worldwide. This position offers the opportunity to work in an international environment with significant customer interaction and travel for commissioning activities.
Responsibilities / Tasks
- Design, program, implement, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA automation solutions for international projects (2–8 projects annually).
- Own the automation scope from design through delivery, ensuring compliance with quality, schedule, budget, customer specifications, and company standards.
- Lead commissioning activities worldwide (up to 45% travel), including I/O testing, basic electrical measurements, safety assessments, and system validation.
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including functional analyses, engineering reports, and project progress updates.
- Supervise electrical panel assembly and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
- Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support project execution and material procurement.
- Identify, manage, and mitigate technical and project risks while making sound operational decisions.
- Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and standardization initiatives across projects.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and knowledge sharing to support team development and best practices.
Your Profile / Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering or a related field (Automation, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, etc.); Master's degree is a plus.
- Minimum 2+ years of experience delivering PLC and SCADA automation solutions in industrial environments.
- Strong knowledge of automation, control systems, electricity, pneumatics, and industrial system architecture.
- Hands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Siemens, Schneider, and Rockwell, and HMI/SCADA systems including FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition, Siemens, and Schneider.
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and engineering software tools.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related technical applications.
- Native Spanish and advanced English (B2/C1); additional languages such as French, German, or Portuguese are an advantage.
- Knowledge of hygienic design principles, QHSE standards, and industry standards such as ISA S88, S95, and S101.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and within multicultural, cross-functional teams.
- High level of professionalism, ethics, and compliance awareness.
- Willingness to travel internationally up to 45% of the time.
We offer:
- Attractive compensation package aligned with experience & responsibilities
- Private health insurance plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model
- 23 days of vacation per year
- Great work environment as part of a collaborative team
- Continuous internal training and career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally
- The opportunity to join a company recognized as a Top Employer 2026
Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering or similar (Automation, Telecommunications, etc.)
- Master's degree
- Minimum 2+ years of proven experience implementing PLC and SCADA automation solutions in industrial environments
- Mechanical and electrical engineering know-how
- Expertise in electricity, automation, control systems, and pneumatics
- Advanced PLC programming (Siemens, Schneider, Rockwell)
- HMI programming (Siemens, Schneider, Wonderware, Rockwell FactoryTalk, Ignition)
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and system architectures
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, engineering tools, connectivity platforms)
- Spanish (native) and high level of English (B2/C1)
- French, German, Portuguese
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Hygienic design know-how and QHSE standards (especially IAA)
- Familiarity with S88, S95, S101 norms
- Ethics, compliance, and professionalism
- Problem-solving mindset and ability to work autonomously
- Cross-functional and multidisciplinary teamwork approach
- Willingness to travel internationally (up to 45%)
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The Company
What We Do
GEA is one of the largest technology suppliers for food processing and a wide range of other industries. The global group specializes in machinery, plants, as well as process technology and components. GEA provides sustainable solutions for sophisticated production processes in diverse end-user markets and offers a comprehensive service portfolio
