Assistant Manager – Projects & Automation Control

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Sri Lanka, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Assist in the comprehensive execution of capital and engineering projects from initial concept to commissioning and project closure.

• Implement brownfield projects that include machine upgrades, capacity enhancements, automation, utilities, and process improvements.

• Contribute to greenfield projects related to plant infrastructure, production zones, warehouses, and material handling systems.

• Develop project execution strategies, timelines, action trackers, and necessary documentation.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, EHS, Quality, IT/OT, Procurement, Finance, contractors, OEMs, and vendors to synchronize activities.

• Oversee scope, schedule, budget, quality, risks, delays, and corrective measures.

• Assist in commissioning, production trials, performance validation, and project handover.

• Lead or assist in projects involving PLC, HMI, SCADA, drives, sensors, and machine control systems.

• Create and assess I/O lists, control philosophies, sequence logic, and control architectures.

• Manage PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and machine integration with OEMs and system integrators.

• Integrate new machines with current production lines and plant control systems.

• Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and commissioning procedures.

• Draft project proposals, feasibility studies, CAPEX estimations, RFP/RFQ documents, and technical specifications.

• Analyze vendor quotations and assist in vendor selection, negotiation, and finalization of purchase orders.

• Design and review machine, equipment, and plant layouts using AutoCAD or similar tools.

• Evaluate electrical schematics, panel designs, instrumentation, and control diagrams.

• Ensure compliance with EHS, machine safety standards, statutory regulations, quality standards, and cybersecurity protocols.

• Facilitate IT/OT cybersecurity implementation and manage automation backups and documentation.

• Supervise vendors and contractors during installation, testing, and commissioning phases.

• Oversee procurement, delivery, material receipt, Goods Receipt Notes (GRN), invoices, payments, and project-related commercial documentation.

• Track CAPEX/AFE budgets, forecasts, commitments, and project cost reports.

• Support initiatives for equipment reliability, productivity, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and continuous improvement.

• Conduct root-cause analyses for machine and automation failures.

• Complete project punch lists, snag lists, post-project evaluations, lessons learned, as-built documentation, and handover processes to Maintenance.

• Assist with post-commissioning performance audits and maintain archived documentation.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering.

• 9-10 years of pertinent experience in Projects, Automation, Controls, or Engineering within a manufacturing setting.

• Proven experience in executing capital projects and machine automation.

• Familiarity with PLC, HMI, SCADA, drives, sensors, and industrial communication systems.

• Proficiency with Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and drive systems.

• Understanding of Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and other industrial communication protocols.

• Experience in PLC programming, troubleshooting, modification, and optimization.

• Background in machine integration, commissioning, FAT, and SAT processes.

• Competence in using AutoCAD or equivalent layout design tools.

• Knowledge of EHS, HIRA, FMEA, MOC, PSSR, and risk assessment methodologies.

• Awareness of OT cybersecurity, secure network architecture, access control measures, backups, and software management.

• Familiarity with Oracle ERP/ERP procurement processes, including PRs, POs, GRNs, and vendor invoices.

• Capability to prepare CAPEX estimates, AFE/business cases, RFP/RFQ documents, and technical specifications.

🏝️ Benefits

• Full-time employment.

• Option for remote work as specified.

• Equal opportunity employment.

• Confidential handling of applicant information.