Automation Engineer

Job Code: 287/001/419
Industry: Paper Manufacturing

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join a leading paper manufacturing company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The role is responsible for programming, maintaining, and optimizing automation and control systems that support efficient mill operations, process improvements, and production reliability.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in PLC, DCS, HMI/SCADA systems, industrial instrumentation, process automation, and control systems engineering within a continuous process manufacturing environment. This Automation Engineer Job in Saudi Arabia is ideal for professionals with expertise in paper mill automation, industrial communication protocols, and advanced troubleshooting of process control systems.

1. Systems Programming & Optimization

• Program, configure, and modify PLC, DCS, and HMI/SCADA systems across the mill to support continuous process improvements.
• Troubleshoot complex control loop issues (PID tuning) on critical tissue machine parameters like basis weight control, moisture control, headbox pressure, and Yankee dryer steam systems.
• Manage, back up, and secure all automation software, logic files, and industrial network configurations.
• Analyze process data from the control systems to identify bottlenecks and implement logic changes that improve cycle times and reduce waste.

2. Hardware & Instrumentation Support

• Provide expert-level technical support for the calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of smart field instruments, control valves, actuators, and sensors.
• Maintain and optimize variable frequency drives (VFDs) and coordinated multi-drive systems essential for high-speed paper machine web tension control.
• Collaborate with the Electrical Maintenance team during complex breakdowns where control logic and electrical hardware intersect.

3. Projects & Planned Shutdowns

• Lead or support the automation scope for new equipment installations, system upgrades, and legacy migration projects.
• Design, review, and update automation loop drawings, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and technical documentation.
• Execute critical system checks, logic updates, and loop testing during scheduled mill shutdowns to ensure a smooth, on-time restart.

4. Safety & Standards Compliance

• Ensure all automation system modifications strictly comply with Crown Paper Mill's safety protocols and international industrial standards.
• Maintain the integrity of safety-instrumented systems (SIS) and emergency shutdown (ESD) logic across the production plant.

• Bachelor’s Degree / Graduate Degree in Automation, Instrumentation & Control, or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5+ years of direct automation and control systems engineering experience within a continuous process manufacturing environment—ideally in Tissue Paper Manufacturing or advanced Paper Mills.
• Proven experience programming and troubleshooting major industrial systems, specifically Siemens (Step 7, TIA Portal), ABB, Valmet DCS, or Rockwell Automation.
• Deep understanding of industrial communication protocols (Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Hands-on familiarity with paper machine-specific systems like QCS (Quality Control Systems) is highly advantageous.
• Quick, logical troubleshooter who communicates clearly and directly under pressure. 
• Able to collaborate effectively with both field technicians and corporate engineering teams.

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