Automation Engineer

This role with be based In Douai France, you will be onsite with regional travel. Candidates wishing to relocate are encouraged to apply. Local French candidates are welcome to apply. AESC Group is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs), with R&D centers and over 13 manufacturing bases in Japan, China, Europe and the US. AESC invests heavily in next-generation technology to drive innovation and works with its strategic partners to continually push the boundaries of performance, safety and efficiency. AESC are rapidly expanding, we are setting up the Global Engineering Center (GEC) Europe as part of the global GEC, working closely with entities in the US, China and Japan. This role is based in Douai, with regional/global travel (approx 30%). As part of GEC Europe, you will be part of a diverse team of individuals who are highly skilled in battery cell manufacturing and have a proven track record in designing and ramping up battery cell manufacturing facilities worldwide. The role As an Automation Engineer, your objective is to lead the development and optimization of industrial automation systems for battery cell production. You will work with machinery builders and integrators in verifying PLC code, robot code, industrial communication protocols setup, communication between automation layers, general electrical compliance, I/O checks, safety function validations and overall code validations. Through close collaboration with equipment and process engineers, production teams and our global engineering network, you will contribute to the successful scaling of our battery manufacturing operations in Europe. You will work throughout the whole project life cycle from RFQs, going through design, construction, FAT, SAT and ramp up. Your responsibilities Develop, implement, and optimize industrial control and automation systems for battery cell production, including PLCs, SCADA systems, HMIs, robots and process automation equipment. Lead control and automation topics in equipment projects and commissioning. Ensure all control and automation systems are scalable, flexible, and meet future operational needs. Be able to analyse equipment electrical and pneumatical drawings and check their overall compliance. Be able to perform acceptance tests, I/O checks, logic validation, dry run, cold and hot commissioning. Troubleshoot and identify PLC code, robot code, and communication problems between hardware and upper-level systems. Be able to help with industrial network setup and industrial data server setup (such as OPC-UA). Collaborate with equipment engineers, process engineers, project managers, IT, maintenance and other stakeholders within global engineering network to ensure seamless alignment between automation systems, MES, facility operations and process. Lead initiatives to reduce waste and improve production cycle times and OEE overall. Implement and maintain process control systems to ensure consistency and quality. Provide technical support and training to local engineering teams. Document process changes, trials, improvements and create guidelines for knowledge sharing / traceability. Ensure comprehensive technical documentation is created and/or provided by the machinery suppliers and maintained afterwards. This should be valid for each automation system, including system designs, control system architecture, program code, compliance certifications, functional design specifications, electrical and pneumatic drawings. Provide training and development for facility operators, maintenance teams, and engineers on the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of new automation systems and equipment. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus. 5 years of experience in controls and automation engineering, with a focus on industrial facilities, plant design, new construction, and equipment compliance. Proven experience leading automation projects for new machinery. Extensive experience with control systems design, including PLC programming, SCADA, HMI and robots. Extensive knowledge of one of the following PLC brands is a plus: Mitsubishi, Omron, Beckhoff Strong knowledge of industrial automation technologies, including robotics, motion control, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and actuators. Experience in OPC connectivity, industrial fieldbus protocols and MES interfaces. Familiarity with basic safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, 62061, 60204) and cybersecurity best practices for industrial automation systems

Location: Douai, FR

Posted Date: 6/6/2025