Senior Automation & Controls Engineer (m/w/d)

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.

With over 750 experts from 48 different countries, our endeavor is to unite exceptional global talent to bring this ambitious and innovative project to life. Our strong and agile international team continues to grow and adapt to new challenges. Based in Grenoble and Dunkirk (France), we have recently started operations our Verkor Innovation Centre (R&D centre and 4.0 pilot line).

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.

Why join us?

Strong company spirit and culture settle down around our 4 values:

• ContributionWe promote personal initiative and give everyone the means to contribute to the company's success.
• CommunicationWe're committed to transparent communication: we say what we think, and we mean what we say.
• Team SpiritEveryone, in their role, is an ambassador for the company. At Verkor, success is most definitely a team sport!
• CommitmentWe're all working towards a common goal: a sustainable future, which we're building one step at a time.

Attractive work conditions*

• Stimulating work environment: pleasant offices, multicultural and motivated team.
• Lunch vouchers.
• 50% of local transportation costs financed.
• Industry-leading healthcare.
• Opportunities to network and connect with worldwide experts.

For more info on the company, please visit us at www.verkor.com

*all positions are open to individuals possessing a Recognition of the Status of Disabled Worker (RQTH).