Group Head of Automation Group
**Reference**
2026-FIX-19
**Deadline**
03/06/2026
**Division**
Computing
- Institution
ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating ten beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.
Located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), it is funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Recerca i Universitats). The synchrotron light produced by 3 GeV electrons is used by thousands of researchers to analyse and understand the properties and functionality of matter, spanning a wide variety of fields, such as catalytic research, health, energy production/storage, environmental research, communication technologies, or cultural heritage.
Located close to Barcelona in a natural park and well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connectivity to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance.
Facing an upgrade to ALBA II, a 4th generation facility, which will increase dramatically brightness and coherent flux, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics. Being a part of the ALBA team will promote your career and will give you the opportunities to explore new territories.
For more information, you can take a look on our history watching this video:
- Tasks
The Controls and Data Acquisition (DAQ) Section is staffed by 19 engineers. They design, develop, operate and support the Control Systems of the Accelerators and Beamlines and the Data Acquisition systems required for the experiments. Also, the section is responsible for the Protection Systems for Personnel and Equipment.
The Controls & DAQ Section currently has four Group Heads. This position will add a fifth Group Head to the team. Group Heads coordinate their groups' work and report directly to the Section Head and to other company levels on project status and operational support. They also provide expert technical leadership and guidance to less experienced engineers within their groups.
We are looking for a PLC Automation Group Head, experienced in the development of PLC-based systems, such as machine/equipment, personnel protection and process automation systems, who will lead and coordinate works of the section, more precisely:
- Proposing and follow-up section PLC-based systems’ goals, managing key projects, and contributing to conferences and external events.
- Lead an Agile team developing PLC-based systems. Coordinate engineers in development and operations activities aligned with Accelerators, Beamlines, Safety, and Infrastructure installation plans.
- Prioritize projects, services and maintenance tasks across a subset of the section's customer units and technology portfolio.
- Be responsible for defining PLC-based system requirements for the software layers of the Control System, Data Acquisition, and Data Processing for the ALBA Synchrotron’s Accelerators, Beamlines, Safety, and Infrastructure. Lead a cross-functional group within the Controls Section to oversee these developments.
- Propose and implement innovation projects in PLC-based systems to ensure the growth of the Section's technical expertise.
- Be a contact person for internal customer units and external collaborations.
- Provide operational support and maintenance for the services related to the PLC-based systems, for Accelerators, Beamlines, Safety and Infrastructure.
- Large scale Machine/Equipment Protection Systems, Personnel (Radiological) Safety Systems, Personnel (Conventional) Protection Systems, Process Automation Systems (from architecture definition and design up to commissioning and operation).
- Programming PLC-based platforms.
- Interfacing PLCs with sensors, actuators, drives, and field devices using hardwired signals and industrial communication protocols such as Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus and OPC UA.
- Interfacing with the SCADA and Distributed Control Systems (TANGO and EPICS ).
- Requirements
Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.
Requirements for this role include:
Formal Education:
- University degree in Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
- Alternatively, an equivalent engineering degree demonstrating similar technical proficiency in electricity and electronics will be considered.
**Experience**:
- Experience in PLC-based programming (Structured Text and Ladder Diagram): Minimum 3 years required for Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering or Industrial Engineering holders; minimum 5