Automation Engineer

Job Description

Automation Engineer - Food Manufacturing Environment (Danish Crown)

Role Purpose

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the reliability, safety, optimisation, and continuous improvement of industrial automation and control systems within Danish Crown’s food manufacturing environment.

The role ensures stable and compliant operation of automated production and utility systems in line with food safety, quality, and health & safety requirements. The position works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and IT. IT infrastructure and enterprise systems remain owned by the IT function; this role provides operational input, coordination, and system expertise to support them.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Production Systems

• Develop, maintain, and optimise PLC, HMI, SCADA, and MES-related automation systems supporting production performance (e.g. OEE, SAP PM interfaces).
• Troubleshoot automation, electrical, and process control issues across production and utilities.
• Ensure high availability and reliable performance of automated equipment in a regulated food environment.
• Act as the production automation interface to IT by providing requirements, impact assessments, testing support, and coordination for system changes.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure automation solutions comply with HACCP, hygienic design principles, and Danish Crown standards.
• Support QEHS compliance, legal obligations, and internal governance.
• Participate in risk assessments, validation, and controlled change processes for automation changes.

Continuous Improvement & Reliability

• Drive CI initiatives targeting efficiency, uptime, yield, and waste reduction.
• Apply RCA, FMECA, RCM, and CBM methods to reduce recurring failures.
• Support LEAN ways of working, site performance boards, and problem-solving routines.

CAPEX & Project Delivery

• Provide automation input to CAPEX projects including scope definition, functional specifications, commissioning, and handover.
• Coordinate with IT where projects affect IT-managed systems.
• Manage suppliers, system integrators, and contractors within the automation scope.

Maintenance & Technical Governance

• Support specialist automation maintenance activities and standards.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and work instructions.
• Act as CMMS (SAP PM) super-user from an automation and maintenance perspective.
• Support design reviews, upgrades, and obsolescence management.

Collaboration & Capability Building

• Work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and IT teams.
• Train and coach operators and technicians in automation systems and process optimisation.
• Support peer-site collaboration and external supplier engagement.

Required Education & Experience

• Degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering or a relevant technical apprenticeship with strong automation specialisation.
• Experience in automation or engineering roles within food, FMCG, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with PLC, HMI, SCADA, MES environments and CMMS systems (preferably SAP PM).

Technical Knowledge & Competencies

• Strong understanding of HACCP, hygienic design, and food manufacturing constraints.
• Experience with reliability engineering and LEAN principles.
• Structured problem-solving, strong communication skills, and the ability to challenge constructively.
• Solid digital literacy and ability to work effectively alongside IT-owned systems.