Automation Engineer (E and I)
Join Employ IR and bring your expertise to a modern, sustainable facility that transforms poultry by-products into high-quality proteins and fats for global feed, pet food, aqua-feed, fertiliser, and biofuel markets. Our client’s state-of-the-art plant is dedicated to reducing waste, improving efficiency, and creating sustainable value. With ambitious growth plans and ongoing process optimisations, we are looking for a skilled E & I and Automation Engineer to strengthen their technical team.
What We Offer
At Employ IR, we believe in giving you the freedom and support to build a meaningful career abroad. We create an environment where you can use your skills to the fullest while growing personally and professionally. We offer:
- Base salary between €4.171 – €4.500 gross per month (based on experience)
- 8,33% holiday allowance on top of your annual salary
- Work-related expenses fully covered, including relocation to the Netherlands
- Company vehicle (also available for private use)
- 25 vacation days
- Solid pension contribution
- A safe, stable and supportive working environment
Automation Engineer (E and I)
As E & I and Automation Engineer, you will lead the preparation, execution, and coordination of electrical and automation projects across both OPEX and CAPEX initiatives. You will act as the installation manager, ensuring all activities are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Translating project requirements into technical specifications, schedules, and budgets
- Reviewing electrical schematics, I/O lists, PLC/SCADA logic, and field cabling
- Coordinating materials, contractors, and technical resources
- Preparing work instructions, risk analyses, and safety plans
- Overseeing and guiding external technicians and automation suppliers
- Leading modernisation of control systems and implementing structural improvements
- Maintaining compliance with HACCP, CE, machine safety, and NEN standards
- Planning and organising work with minimal impact on production
What You Bring
We are looking for a proactive and hands-on engineer with strong analytical and coordination skills. You bring:
- A completed bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or equivalent
- At least 5 years’ experience in an E&I role within the industrial or food sector
- Knowledge of PLC, SCADA, HMI, cabling, and industrial electrical systems
- Experience in project-based work and multidisciplinary collaboration
- Familiarity with HACCP, CE marking, and NEN3140/NEN3840 safety standards
- Fluency in English, Afrikaans and a willingness to learn Dutch.
- Flexibility to occasionally work on weekends during project execution
About the Client
The client is a modern and sustainable company that processes slaughter by-products into high-quality, protein-rich raw materials and fats for the animal feed industry (Feed, Petfood, Aquafeed), Fertilizers and Biofuels. Feather meal, blood meal, poultry meal and fat are produced on various production lines. The client foresees healthy growth in the coming years.
About Employ IR
Employ IR is a Dutch recruitment agency dedicated to connecting skilled South African professionals with leading technical employers in the Netherlands. Our focus is on long-term career growth, professional fulfilment, and personal well-being. We support our candidates through every step of relocation and integration, ensuring a successful transition into Dutch working life.
Interested?
If you are excited about contributing your technical and maintenance skills to high-impact projects in the Netherlands, we’d love to hear from you. Send your application to vacancies@employir.com.
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