Industrial automation project engineer - chazo (o chazo) - nipro corporation - global

About the job

To act as the technical lead for process, mechanical and automation definition of new equipment, under project governance, ensuring that machinery is correctly specified, automated, validated and performs according to the required output, quality and robust standards.

While the role supports new equipment projects, it also includes leading and optimizing modifications, upgrades and improvements to existing machines processes and automation systems to enhance performance, reliability and robustness.

This role requires close collaboration with the factory process engineering, production, quality, regulatory, procurement, and development teams.

• Lead the definition of machine’s production process requirements and overall machine concept, ensuring alignment between process, mechanical design and automation philosophy, and develop the related User Requirement Specifications (URS).
• Translate process requirements and production targets into clear functional and automation requirements.
• Specify PLC, HMI, SCADA, networks, and industrial communication protocols.
• Contribute to the definition and application of QM/QA/QC framework for automation systems.
• Support MES, ERP and IT infrastructure definition when applicable.

• Act as the technical interface with machine suppliers, for process, mechanical and automation topics, in alignment with project governance.
• Review, and assess automation solutions (code structure, PLC…etc) developed by machine and process suppliers, ensuring consistency with defined requirements and standards.
• Perform verification activities across design phases (FDS / SDS / HDS / DS), ensuring consistency between requirements, functional design and implementation.
• Lead and define automation-related FAT and SAT activities.
• Support commissioning and ramp‑up, ensuring stable and repeatable machine performance.

• Ensure machines meet required output, efficiency and reliability targets.
• Support validation and qualification activities when applicable (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GAMP5 and FDA data integrity and validation principles.

• Lead and coordinate technical modifications, upgrades and optimization initiatives on existing machines and production equipment to enhance overall performance.
• Identify, analyze and resolve performance limitations affecting existing machines and production lines, and define improvement actions related to process, mechanical and automation aspects.
• Analyze potential product changes or product improvements and assess their impact on existing machines and production equipment, including required technical adaptations.

• Provide technical expertise to support management and project decisions.
• Support the assessment of change impacts and contributing to the translation of analysis into timelines and costs.
• Standardize project decisions, procedures and documentation to ensure consistent application in future projects.

• Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering or similar.
• +5 years of experience in industrial or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience defining URS, FAT/SAT and acceptance criteria for new machinery, covering mechanical, process and automation aspects.
• Experience using (Methods Time Measurement) MTM studies and other time, motion or performance analysis tools.
• Knowledge and practical experience in visualization and/or editing of 3D CAD files to support process, mechanical and automation reviews.
• Experience with PLC programming and machine logic (Siemens, Rockwell or equivalent).
• Knowledge of industrial networks: Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA.
• Solid understanding of machine control, states, sequences and industrial communication.
• Knowledge of SCADA and MES concepts (interface level).
• Experience working for a machine manufacturer or engineering company dedicated to design, development or integration of automated machinery is highly valued.
• Experience with data processing/statistics via Power BI, Minitab or similar tools.
• Languages: English and Spanish on a professional level is a must.
• Strong problem‑solving capability and root cause analysis skills.
• Strong communication skills and accountability.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Proactive identification of improvement opportunities.
• Flexibility to manage design changes, product changes and evolving requirements.