The Automation Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all automation, control, PLC, SCADA, communication, and industrial network systems supporting the container terminal. The role focuses on maintaining and improving the performance of semi-automated Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, and associated terminal automation systems to maximize equipment availability and operational efficiency. The Automation Engineer works closely with Maintenance, Operations, IT, OEMs, and contractors to troubleshoot automation issues, implement system improvements, and support digitalization and predictive maintenance initiatives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Automation & Control Systems

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and control systems for semi-automated STS and RTG cranes.
• Perform software modifications, diagnostics, commissioning, and system testing.
• Ensure all automation systems operate safely, reliably, and in accordance with OEM standards.

PLC Programming & Industrial Control

• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC programs using Siemens TIA Portal/STEP 7 and other OEM platforms.
• Configure and maintain remote I/O, safety PLCs, VFDs, encoders, sensors, laser positioning, and motion control systems.
• Perform software backups, version control, and restoration of PLC and automation programs.

Automation Servers & OT Infrastructure

• Maintain the automation server infrastructure supporting crane operations, including application servers, engineering workstations, databases, and virtual environments.
• Monitor server performance, system health, storage capacity, backups, redundancy, and disaster recovery.
• Coordinate software updates, patches, and system upgrades with OEMs and the IT Department while minimizing operational disruption.

Remote Operation & Communication Systems

• Maintain and troubleshoot communication between Liebherr Automation Servers, STS/RTG cranes, Remote Operator Stations (ROS), Engineering Workstations, and the Terminal Operating System (TOS).
• Support and maintain the wireless/radio communication network used for remote operation of RTGs, ensuring reliable communication between the RTGs, ROS stations, and central automation servers.
• Diagnose and resolve communication failures, latency, synchronization issues, and network interruptions affecting crane operation.

Industrial Networks

• Maintain and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Fiber Optic networks, Industrial Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, managed switches, routers, wireless access points, and communication gateways.
• Ensure high network availability, redundancy, cybersecurity, and reliable data exchange between automation devices.

Camera & Vision Systems

• Maintain, configure, and troubleshoot all crane camera and vision systems, including spreader, trolley, boom, gantry, hoist, anti-collision, OCR, and CCTV cameras.
• Ensure reliable video transmission, recording, and display at Remote Operator Stations.
• Coordinate calibration, replacement, and commissioning of cameras and vision equipment.

System Integration

• Support integration and communication between crane automation systems, PLCs, SCADA, ROS, TOS, CMMS, drive systems, anti-collision systems, positioning systems, and other terminal operational technologies.
• Work closely with OEMs and IT to ensure seamless integration of new automation technologies and software upgrades.

CMMS & Reliability

• Develop preventive maintenance plans for automation systems using the CMMS.
• Record maintenance activities, software revisions, equipment history, and recurring failures.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

Cybersecurity & Data Integrity

• Support OT cybersecurity by maintaining secure user access, backup procedures, antivirus protection, network segmentation, and disaster recovery plans.
• Ensure automation software, PLC programs, and server configurations are securely backed up and protected against unauthorized access.

Technical Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide technical support during equipment breakdowns and commissioning activities.
• Lead automation fault investigations and recommend system improvements to increase equipment availability and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate new technologies and recommend automation enhancements that improve safety, reliability, and productivity.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification in PLC programming, industrial automation, or control systems is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial automation or electrical control systems, preferably within a container terminal, port, or heavy industrial environment.
• Proven experience with semi-automated STS and RTG cranes and OEM automation systems (e.g., Liebherr, Siemens, ABB, Konecranes, or ZPMC).
• Hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, HMI, VFDs, industrial networks, automation servers, Remote Operator Stations (ROS), radio communication systems, camera systems, and Terminal Operating System (TOS) integration.
• Experience using CMMS/EAM systems (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo, Hexagon) for maintenance planning and asset management.
• Strong troubleshooting, commissioning, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and contractor/OEM coordination experience.