Automation Engineer / Senior Automation Engineer

Position: Automation Engineer / Senior Automation Engineer

Location: Kotka, Finland

Department: Maintenance

Position Type: Full-time

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Automation Engineer to join our Equipment Department at the new CAM battery materials plant in Kotka. Joining us during the critical installation and commissioning phase, you will work directly with our engineering teams on the shop floor to master the factory's control systems. As the plant transitions into full operation, you will serve as the core technical pillar, responsible for maintaining, modifying, and optimizing automation logic to ensure continuous and efficient production.

Key Responsibilities:

PLC/DCS Programming & Troubleshooting: Independently conduct root-cause diagnostics, program modifications, and code optimization for Siemens PCS7 (DCS) and S7-1200/1500 (PLC) systems to rapidly resolve daily production downtimes.

Field Loop & Drive Diagnostics: Perform hands-on field testing of I/O signals, PID loop tuning, and parameter configuration/troubleshooting for variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other field instrumentation.

System Interface Execution: Establish and configure data links, address mapping, and industrial communication protocols between main process systems and third-party units (e.g., AHU, Fire Alarm Interlocks, Schneider HV SCADA monitoring, and Security/IIoT platforms).

Technical Scoping & Vendor Review: Define precise technical requirements (control logic diagrams, I/O lists, communication standards) for outsourced system modifications. Review vendor-submitted codes and lead the technical execution of Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT/SAT).

Commissioning & Handover: Maintain a strong presence on the shop floor during the current installation phase. Work alongside the EPC team to thoroughly understand the underlying code and system architecture, ensuring a seamless technical handover to the operations team with zero knowledge gaps.

Qualifications & Technical Requirements:

Experience: 5 to 10 years of robust, hands-on experience in industrial automation programming, commissioning, and field troubleshooting within heavy industry, chemical, or similar highly automated manufacturing environments.

Education vs. Capability: A relevant degree (B.Sc. or M.Sc.) in Automation or Electrical Engineering is preferred; however, proven hands-on capability, coding proficiency, and extensive field experience are valued above formal education.

Core Expertise: Deep, proven practical experience with Siemens PCS7 and TIA Portal is mandatory.

Troubleshooting Skills: Exceptional diagnostic skills with the ability to independently resolve complex control loops, drive faults, and industrial communication network issues.

System Architecture: Solid understanding of OT network architectures, industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA), and safe data integration practices.

Mindset: A proactive, shop-floor-oriented problem solver who thrives on direct technical execution rather than pure administrative management.

Language: Fluent in English (corporate language); Finnish or Chinese language proficiency is a strong advantage.

What We Offer:

- A key technical role in a state-of-the-art greenfield project within the booming European battery materials industry.

- A competitive salary package commensurate with your hands-on expertise and seniority.

- Comprehensive occupational healthcare and a collaborative, international working culture.

If you are interested in this position, please apply at your earliest convenience. We are looking to fill this role as soon as possible.

Easpring Finland is developing a battery materials plant in Kotka to meet the growing demand for battery materials in Europe. The plant will produce cathode active materials required for electric vehicle batteries.

We will review applications on an ongoing basis and will fill the position as soon as a suitable candidate is found. There is no fixed application deadline, so we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.

Join us on our exciting journey ahead. We welcome talented individuals who want to be part of our team.