Automation, Electrical & Controls Engineer – UPW Plant

Role 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 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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

Who We Are Looking For:

• 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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

Who We Are Looking For:

• 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

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 National Collective Labour Agreement for the Chemical Industry (CCNL Industria Chimica).