Engenheiro Sénior de Automação e Controlo

Verkor is a French industrial company aiming to pioneer low-carbon battery manufacturing in France. With the backing of prominent industrial companies such as Renault Group, Plastic Omnium and Schneider Electric, Verkor intends to electrify the future of European mobility.

We now focus on building the world's most modern and efficient Gigafactory in Dunkirk (France). With this facility, our ambition is an initial annual production of 16 Gwh of lithium-ion batteries by 2025, thus powering 300,000 electric vehicles annually.

In joining us you will actively participate in this breathtaking industrial adventure to shape the future of European mobility.

As an Automation Engineer in the Process R&D team, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation solutions to support both production and new system development. Your primary mission is to enable high-efficiency, low-cost, and highly reliable automated processes that align with the company's vision of an unmanned smart factory.

This role requires a strong understanding of industrial automation technologies, including PLC - HMI programming, robotics, motion control, and industrial communication protocols. You will work closely with mechanical, vision, and process engineers to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions into production lines. Beyond implementation, you will also lead optimization efforts, troubleshoot complex automation issues, ensure compliance with safety standards and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

This job will report to the Automation & Vision Systems Development Manager and should be capable of designing algorithms independently to fulfill tasks allocated. Structured thinking and data sensitivity are compulsory.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs.
• Lead the design and integration of complex automation systems for manufacturing process.
• Lead automation projects from conception to completion.
• Optimize and improve the production lines by reducing cycle time, reducing downtime, and improving quality.
• Implement control strategies to enhance system performance and maintain optimal process conditions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation enhancements.
• Review and sign off detailed design phase outcomes during the project.
• Participate in various controls equipment buy-offs at vendor sites.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to validate automation solutions.

Requirements - Qualifications and skills

• Evidence of exceptional ability. Verkor follows a culture of full-cycle engineering where members will have full responsibility and accountability for their projects from start to finish. We are looking for the best of the best.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in designing and implementing automation and control systems.
• Advanced proficiency programming industrial equipment using various IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Proficient in PLC and HMI programming (Mitsubishi, Siemens, Schneider, or similar).
• Hands-on experience integrating and commissioning high volume manufacturing equipment. (preferably battery industry).
• In-depth knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as CC-Link IE TSN, Profinet, Modbus TCP.
• Experience in OPC UA connectivity and MES interfaces.
• Experience in writing technical documentation.
• Experience in designing electrical schematics using CAD tools such as EPlan or AutoCAD (preferable).
• Experience in evaluation, design, and implementation of safety functions (preferable).
• Multi-tasking ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Excellent team player who is open to new ideas and thoughts.
• Good English written and oral skills.
• Highly organized and result driven.
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills to work in an international environment.
• Interpersonal skills: Flexibility, Motivation and Passion, sense of quality, Positive and can-do attitude, friendliness.

Languages

• Good level of English; French is a plus.