About the Role
Uvera is seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to join its team in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This full-time, on-site position is integral to the design, programming, and maintenance of control systems for food handling, storage, and processing facilities. The role focuses on ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable operation of automated equipment, including conveyors, packaging, and labeling systems, thereby contributing to operational excellence.
This position requires hands-on technical expertise in Siemens TIA Portal programming, electrical panel design and assembly, and industrial network integration. A strong understanding of automated processes within the food industry is essential for optimizing automated systems and supporting digital transformation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems for food handling equipment and facilities.
- Write PLC programs from scratch using Siemens TIA Portal, including OB/FB/FC block structure, HMI configuration, and Profinet device integration.
- Design electrical control panels from concept to completion, including schematic design, component selection and sizing, DIN rail layout, and wiring execution.
- Assemble, wire, and commission control panels to professional standards, ensuring proper cable ducting, ferrule crimping, wire numbering, and pre-power verification.
- Develop HMI and SCADA interfaces for process control and monitoring.
- Integrate sensors, VFDs, and field instruments into automated systems.
- Prepare comprehensive project documentation, including operating manuals and Factory/Site Acceptance Test (FAT/SAT) procedures.
- Troubleshoot and resolve automation and electrical faults to minimize production downtime.
- Maintain and update PLC programs, HMI configurations, wiring diagrams, and network documentation.
- Provide technical support to plant operators and maintenance teams.
- Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant safety and environmental regulations.
- Apply LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) and safe isolation procedures on all electrical and mechanical systems.
- Participate in risk assessments and develop safe work procedures for control systems.
- Write and conduct FAT/SAT tests to ensure system functionality and compliance.
- Analyze production data to identify opportunities for efficiency and throughput improvements.
- Implement control logic and data acquisition strategies to optimize energy use, equipment reliability, and line performance.
- Support digital transformation initiatives, such as predictive maintenance and remote monitoring.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
- 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation, with a preference for experience in food processing, packaging, or bulk materials handling environments.
- Proven experience writing Siemens TIA Portal PLC programs from scratch, including proficiency with block structure (OB, FB, FC, DB), Profinet device integration using GSDML files, and online commissioning and diagnostics.
- Hands-on experience designing and assembling electrical control panels, including schematic drawing, component sizing, DIN rail assembly, wiring, and pre-commissioning checks.
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Profinet, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and Profibus.
- Familiarity with instrumentation, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and motor control systems.
- A solid understanding of process control, safety systems, and instrumentation calibration.
Required Skills
- Siemens TIA Portal programming
- Electrical panel design and assembly
- Industrial network integration
- PLC programming
- HMI configuration
- Profinet device integration
- SCADA interface development
- Sensor integration
- VFD integration
- Field instrument integration
- Troubleshooting automation and electrical faults
- LOTO procedures
- Risk assessment
- FAT/SAT testing
- Experience with Python, C/C++, or SQL for data acquisition or integration tasks (bonus)
- Familiarity with microcontrollers (ARM, AVR, or similar) for embedded control applications (bonus)
- Experience with SCADA systems and remote monitoring platforms (bonus)
Work Environment and Location
This is a full-time, on-site position located in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, specifically within the KAUST Research & Technology Park in Thuwal. Daily shuttle services are available between Jeddah and KAUST to facilitate transportation.
