Project Automation Engineer IREF

Role description

Location: Gorinchem, Netherlands | Full-Time Design and Deliver Industrial Automation Solutions with Global Impact

Are you passionate about industrial automation and looking to work on complex, large-scale projects? At Johnson Controls, you’ll play a key role in designing and implementing advanced automation solutions for industrial refrigeration systems used by leading companies across the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and process industries. From concept and engineering to programming, testing, and commissioning, you will be involved throughout the entire project lifecycle, helping our customers achieve safe, reliable, and energy‑efficient operations.

About Johnson Controls Industrial Refrigeration

Johnson Controls Industrial Refrigeration delivers highly efficient industrial refrigeration, freezing, and air handling solutions for a wide range of manufacturing and storage applications. We provide complete turnkey solutions, covering engineering, design, project management, installation, service, and remote monitoring. Leveraging the expertise of renowned brands such as YORK®, SABROE®, and FRICK®, we develop innovative refrigeration solutions for customers worldwide.

Your Role As a Project Automation Engineer

You will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of automation systems for industrial refrigeration installations. You will translate process requirements into robust automation solutions and oversee projects from initial concept through engineering, commissioning, and final delivery. Working closely with colleagues from Automation, Electrical Engineering, Project Management, Operations, and Service, you will help ensure successful project execution and customer satisfaction.

What You Will Do

Design Automation Solutions

• Analyze process installations based on P&IDs and functional specifications.
• Develop automation concepts for industrial refrigeration systems.
• Select and define the most suitable automation architecture for each project.

Develop and Configure Control Systems

• Program, configure, and test Siemens PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions.
• Configure field devices, drives, and instrumentation.
• Integrate industrial communication networks such as Modbus, Profibus, and Profinet.
• Develop and maintain standardized software applications and libraries.

Deliver Successful Projects

• Prepare functional descriptions and technical documentation.
• Support and coordinate Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Assist with commissioning and start‑up activities at customer sites.
• Monitor project planning, progress, quality, and budget within your area of responsibility.

Collaborate and Improve

• Work closely with the Project Engineer Electrical and Project Engineer SCADA.
• Serve as a backup for SCADA engineering activities.
• Support modifications to electrical schematics using EPLAN when required.
• Contribute to the standardisation and continuous improvement of automation solutions and engineering processes.

What Success Looks Like

• Successfully delivered multiple automation projects.
• Contributed to the further standardisation of software and control solutions.
• Established strong working relationships across Engineering, Operations, and Service teams.
• Supported customers during commissioning and system start‑up activities.
• Applied your technical expertise to improve system reliability, performance, and efficiency.

What You'll Bring

You are a proactive and technically strong engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges and taking ownership of projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial automation.
• Hands‑on experience with Siemens TIA Portal, PLC programming, and HMI systems.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols including Modbus, Profibus, and Profinet.
• Experience designing, configuring, and implementing automation solutions in an industrial environment.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Professional proficiency in Dutch or French, combined with a good command of English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with WinCC SCADA.
• Knowledge of EPLAN Electric P8.
• Experience with industrial instrumentation, including temperature, pressure, level, and flow measurements.
• Experience within the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, or process industries.
• Knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems or the ability to quickly develop expertise in this field.

What We Offer

At Johnson Controls, you'll work on innovative and technically challenging projects within a global organisation that is leading the way in sustainable and energy‑efficient technologies. In addition, we offer:

• A highly autonomous role with significant responsibility and technical depth.
• The opportunity to work on international projects with tangible impact.
• A competitive annual base salary between €61,500 and €84,600, complemented by an attractive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
• Collaboration with experienced specialists in automation, electrical engineering, and refrigeration technology.
• A professional, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
• Excellent career growth opportunities within a global organisation.

Why Join Johnson Controls?

At Johnson Controls, your work directly contributes to critical refrigeration systems that support food safety, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial production worldwide. You'll have the freedom to develop innovative technical solutions, work with cutting‑edge automation technologies, and be part of a company where innovation, sustainability, and engineering excellence are at the core of everything we do.

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