Automation Engineer
Location: Atessa Function: Engineering & Maintenance Reports to: GLOBAL HEAD OF MAINTENANCE, UTILITIES & FACILITIES
About the Role
As an Automation Engineer at Syngenta, you will be the go-to technical expert for control systems, instrumentation, and automation technologies at our manufacturing site. You will keep our production running safely, reliably, and efficiently - while helping us push the boundaries of what's possible through continuous improvement.
This is a hands-on role where you'll work across the full lifecycle of automation systems: from day-to-day operations and troubleshooting to supporting capital projects and driving cybersecurity compliance.
What You'll Do
1. Program and configure industrial automation platforms including DCS, PLCs, SCADA systems, and HMI applications to support manufacturing processes
2. Maintain and optimize control logic, process graphics, alarms, and historian databases to maximise uptime and performance
3. Troubleshoot complex automation issues in collaboration with operations and maintenance teams, minimising production downtime
4. Develop and maintain automation standards, documentation, and procedures including P&IDs, control narratives, loop drawings, and system architecture diagrams
5. Implement cybersecurity measures for industrial control systems in line with ISA/IEC 62443 and Syngenta IT/OT security standards
6. Support capital projects from concept through commissioning - including vendor selection, specification development, and system integration
7. Manage automation system lifecycle: hardware/software upgrades, obsolescence planning, and vendor relationships
8. Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical automation infrastructure
9. Provide technical training and guidance to operations, maintenance, and engineering teams
What We're Looking For
10. Degree in Automation, Electronics, Control Systems, or a related engineering discipline
11. Hands-on experience with industrial automation platforms
12. Solid understanding of industrial cybersecurity standards
13. Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work under pressure in a manufacturing environment
14. Good communication skills - able to translate technical topics for non-technical colleagues
15. Experience with capital project delivery is a plus
Why Syngenta
We're a global leader in agriculture, working to help farmers grow more with less. Our manufacturing sites are at the heart of delivering that mission. Here you'll find a culture that values technical excellence, safety, and continuous learning - with the support of a global network behind you.