Automation Engineer

This role exists to enhance operational efficiency, stability, and data integrity by leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation, SCADA (Level 2), and MES (Level 3) systems across NSBI. The role delivers value by ensuring reliable system performance, executing automation-related CAPEX and improvement projects, and sustaining the MES platform (AspenTech) to support production planning, process control, and digitalization initiatives. Through strong integration between Level 2 and Level 3 systems, this role drives process optimization, reduces variability, and enables more informed and data-driven decision making for NSBI operations.

Responsibilities

• Implement and comply with NSBI OHSE policies, automation safety standards, and government regulations to ensure safe execution of automation and digital system activities.
• Maintain, support, and improve Level 2 (SCADA) and Level 3 (MES/AspenTech) systems to ensure stable, reliable, and accurate data flow for operational decision-making.
• Lead improvement initiatives for SCADA and MES systems, including analysis, solution design, and implementation to enhance process control, automation reliability, and production efficiency.
• Develop automation technical documents such as logic design, system architecture, functional specification, control narratives, configuration updates, and integration requirements.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors, integrators, and vendors during automation-related design, development, testing, commissioning, and golive activities.
• Support NSBI strategic projects and CAPEX projects involving automation, instrumentation, control systems, MES upgrades, and digitalization initiatives.
• Ensure all automation activities comply with NSBI engineering standards, Cybersecurity requirements (if applicable), Codes of Practice, and government regulations.
• Execute assigned improvement or CAPEX automation projects within approved scope, cost, and schedule while ensuring Zero Harm and system integrity.
• Analyze system performance data and operational behavior to identify gaps, inefficiencies, or opportunities for improvement in Level 2 and Level 3 automation systems.
• Ensure proper implementation of change management (MOCA) for any SCADA, MES, PLC, or automation-related modifications.
• Maintain accuracy, traceability, and completeness of all automation documentation, including backups, versioning, change logs, and as-built records.
  
  

Qualification And/or Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automation engineering within industrial, manufacturing, or process plant environments.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems (Level 2) configuration, troubleshooting, graphics development, and tag management.
• Experience with MES / AspenTech (Level 3) or similar manufacturing execution platforms.
• Understanding of PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi, or similar).
• Knowledge of automation communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet).
• Strong understanding of electrical & control system safety (LOTO, safe logic, alarms, interlocks).
• Experience supporting or executing automation-related CAPEX or improvement projects.
• Basic understanding of IT/OT network concepts, data flow, and system integration.
• Ability to perform system troubleshooting, logic analysis, and root cause investigation.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with contractors, integrators, and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions during SCADA/MES/software or automation field execution.
  
  

Preferred Qualification And/or Experience Required

• Proficiency in SCADA development tools (e.g., Wonderware/AVEVA, Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View, or similar).
• Experience working with MES platforms, especially AspenTech MES, including configuration, workflow setup, and system integration.
• Experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting (e.g., Siemens Step7/TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio5000, Schneider Unity/Control Expert).
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols: OPC UA/DA, Modbus TCP/RTU, MQTT, Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP.
• Understanding of IT/OT network security, firewalls, VLAN, and system hardening practices.
• Experience with database systems (SQL, historian systems, data archiving).
• Knowledge of FDS/URS preparation, design documentation, and system architecture development.
• Experience in testing and commissioning automation systems (FAT/SAT).
• Exposure to digitalization initiatives, Industry 4.0 concepts, or integration between L1L3 systems.
• Experience in energy optimization or automation-assisted process improvements.
• Familiarity with scripting or automation languages (e.g., VBA, Python, structured text optional but valuable).
• Experience working with contractors, system integrators, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Understanding of ISA standards (ISA95, ISA88) and best practices in automation design.
• Experience in heavy industry, steel manufacturing, or continuous process environments (preferred).
  
  

At NS BlueScope our success comes from our people. We choose to treat each other with trust and respect. We understand that the range of perspectives that result from having a diverse and inclusive workplace will strengthen NS BlueScope's capability for continued and sustained business success.