Automation Engineer (Rayong site-based)

About the Company

At Novonesis, we believe in unlocking the power of biology to create better business and a more sustainable future. Our Thailand Project Management team plays a critical role in transforming strategic ideas and biosolutions into operational capabilities by delivering capital investment projects that support manufacturing excellence, capacity expansion, sustainability, and business growth.

The Role & Your Impact

As an Automation Engineer, you will join a high-performing team of project professionals responsible for delivering projects from concept to commissioning and handover. This is a dynamic role where you will work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and project stakeholders to implement reliable automation solutions that strengthen operational performance and support Novonesis’ growth ambitions.

As an Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering automation and process control solutions that ensure safe, reliable, and efficient project execution and manufacturing operations. This is a mixed operational, tactical, and strategic role with a primary focus on project execution, process control optimization, and technology implementation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and execute automation-related activities for CAPEX projects, including system design, engineering reviews, programming coordination, FAT/SAT support, commissioning, start-up, and project handover.
• Provide technical expertise for PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI, instrumentation, and industrial network systems to improve plant reliability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure automation solutions comply with Novonesis engineering standards, EHS requirements, cybersecurity expectations, and local regulations.
• Support CAPEX planning, feasibility studies, technical procurement activities, and budget estimation.
• Collaborate with project managers, production teams, maintenance teams, engineering functions, and contractors to deliver projects safely, on time, within budget, and according to performance requirements.
• Contribute to root cause investigations, corrective actions, cybersecurity initiatives, and system lifecycle management activities.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

We are looking for an automation professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation, process control, manufacturing engineering, or capital project execution within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, fermentation, or similar process industries.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI, instrumentation systems, industrial communication networks, and process control principles.
• Experience with automation commissioning, FAT/SAT execution, troubleshooting, and startup support.
• Ability to interpret engineering documentation, including P&IDs, functional specifications, control narratives, loop drawings, and cause-and-effect matrices.
• Knowledge of safety standards, Management of Change (MOC), and project execution processes.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Essential competencies:

• Analytical and structured problem-solving
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration
• Adaptability and resilience in complex project environments
• Proactive ownership and accountability
• Continuous improvement mindset

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

The following qualifications would be considered advantageous but are not required:

• Experience with ABB Sattline, ABB 800xA, Yokogawa, or AVEVA PI systems.
• Experience in biotechnology, fermentation, enzyme, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity and OT/IT integration.
• Experience working in international or global project environments.
• Knowledge of Thai engineering regulations and contractor management.
• Curiosity for emerging technologies and digital transformation opportunities.

What We Offer

At Novonesis, we offer an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working with talented colleagues across functions and geographies.

• Exposure to diverse automation and capital projects that directly support business growth and manufacturing excellence.
• Collaboration with regional and global engineering, automation, and technology networks.
• Opportunities to expand your technical expertise and project leadership capabilities.
• A culture built on collaboration, ownership, innovation, and continuous learning.
• The opportunity to contribute to sustainable solutions powered by biology.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Primarily site-based role located in Thailand.
• Significant on-site presence required during project execution, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Close collaboration with production, maintenance, engineering teams, contractors, equipment suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Some administrative and engineering tasks may be performed remotely when business needs allow.
• Flexible working approach required to support project milestones and commissioning activities