Automation Engineer Consultant

Our client is a well-established engineering and technology organisation delivering advanced automation, control and commissioning solutions across industrial environments.

They are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer – Consultant to support complex projects from design through to successful site implementation and handover. Based in Melbourne, this is a hands-on consulting position spanning the full project lifecycle, from concept and functional design through programming, testing, commissioning and final handover. The successful candidate will combine strong technical automation capability with the commercial awareness and communication skills required to operate effectively in a client-facing consulting environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement industrial automation and control solutions across new-build, upgrade and optimisation projects.
• Develop control system architectures incorporating PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, drives and industrial communication networks.
• Translate operational and client requirements into functional design specifications, control philosophies and detailed engineering documentation.
• Undertake PLC programming, HMI/SCADA configuration and system integration across platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Schneider or equivalent.
• Prepare and review I/O schedules, interface definitions, control narratives, network architecture and associated technical documentation.
• Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), system validation and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot automation, electrical, instrumentation and communication issues during installation and commissioning.
• Verify system sequencing, interlocks, alarms and overall system performance against approved design requirements.
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, process and project engineering teams, contractors, system integrators and client representatives.
• Undertake site inspections, technical reviews and commissioning readiness assessments.
• Manage technical issues, design changes and commissioning defects through to resolution.
• Prepare commissioning plans, test procedures, completion documentation and project handover packages.
• Provide technical advice to clients and identify opportunities to improve system reliability, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Support project planning, scope definition, technical estimation and delivery scheduling where required.
• Ensure all engineering and commissioning activities comply with applicable Australian standards, WHS requirements, client specifications and quality procedures.

Requirements

• Degree qualification in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Controls, Instrumentation Engineering or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in industrial automation, controls engineering and commissioning environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC, HMI and SCADA systems.
• Experience with major automation platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Schneider or similar.
• Sound knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP or equivalent.
• Experience with instrumentation, VSDs, motor control and industrial field devices.
• Strong understanding of control system architecture, automation design and electrical/control principles.
• Experience preparing functional design specifications, I/O lists, interface schedules, test documentation and commissioning procedures.
• Proven experience undertaking FAT, SAT, site commissioning and system troubleshooting.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, schematics, P&IDs and control system documentation.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to engineering quality, safety and delivery.
• Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, logistics automation, utilities, energy, infrastructure or materials handling environments would be highly regarded.
• Experience with brownfield automation upgrades, machine safety, AutoCAD, EPLAN or similar engineering applications would be advantageous.
• Flexibility to travel to client and project sites as required.