Junior Automation Engineer
About Us
Synkron Africa is a dynamic and fast-growing
organization focused on delivering structured, efficient, and high-quality
solutions across industrial, engineering, and enterprise environments. The
company emphasizes strong execution, accountability, and process-driven
delivery to ensure sustainable growth and long-term client value. Working at
Synkron Africa means being part of a collaborative and performance-driven team
that values innovation, precision, and continuous improvement in technical
delivery and engineering excellence.
Role Overview
The Junior Automation Field Service Engineer
supports the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, testing, and
commissioning of automation and control systems in bottling and manufacturing
plants across Africa. The role provides hands-on exposure to PLC programming,
industrial automation, HMI and SCADA systems, industrial communication
networks, and robotic systems while working alongside senior engineers and
cross-functional project teams.
The position requires a practical and adaptable
engineering professional who can support field service and project execution,
respond to client technical needs, maintain accurate service documentation, and
contribute to the continuous improvement of automation systems. The role
involves working across multiple projects and countries while ensuring
adherence to Synkron International’s engineering, quality, and safety
standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Field
Service & Project Execution:
· Assist in the
installation, maintenance, and repair of automation and control systems in
bottling and manufacturing plants. Conduct basic troubleshooting on PLCs, HMIs,
SCADA systems, and industrial communication networks.
· Support senior
engineers with automation system diagnostics, logic modifications, and software
upgrades.
· Assist in robotic
system integration and programming for manufacturing processes.
· Perform testing
and calibration of automation components while ensuring compliance with
applicable ISO, OSHA, and IEC safety standards.
· Work across
multiple projects and countries in line with Synkron International’s
engineering standards.
2. Client Support & Relationship Management:
Assist in training plant operators and maintenance personnel on automation best practices, programming adjustments, and preventive maintenance.
Respond to client inquiries relating to system performance, diagnostics, and recommended upgrades.
Document and communicate client feedback to internal teams to support continuous improvement in service delivery.
3. Internal Coordination & Documentation:
· Collaborate with project managers, procurement teams, and electrical
engineers to support the timely delivery of automation components.
· Maintain accurate service reports, diagnostic logs, and system
maintenance records for internal and client use.
· Participate in internal project meetings by providing insights on
automation challenges and system optimization opportunities.
· Ensure compliance with engineering best practices and company quality
standards across assigned projects.
4. Research & Continuous Improvement:
· Stay informed on emerging automation technologies, industrial control
systems, and smart manufacturing trends.
· Participate in internal training and mentorship programmes to
strengthen technical capabilities in industrial automation and PLC programming.
· Contribute to process improvement initiatives by identifying
opportunities to improve system efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize
energy consumption.
· Work with cross-functional teams to refine automation installation,
control logic design, and maintenance methodologies based on practical
applications.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
· Collaborate with teams across other Business Units and contribute to
projects, initiatives, or tasks requiring cross-functional technical expertise.
· Participate in and deliver on projects or tasks assigned from other
Requirements
Education Requirements
· Bachelor’s Degree
in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
· Membership of the
Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
Experience
· 1–3 years of
experience in automation field service, maintenance, or project-based
engineering.
· Hands-on
experience in bottling, food processing, or manufacturing industries is an
added advantage.
· Prior experience
with industrial automation, PLC troubleshooting, and robotics is preferred.
Technical Requirements
· Understanding of
PLC programming basics, including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric,
or similar platforms.
· Experience with
SCADA systems, HMI programming, and industrial communication protocols such as
Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP.
· Ability to read
and interpret electrical and automation schematics, P&IDs, and wiring
diagrams.
· Familiarity with
industrial sensors, actuators, motor control systems, and robotics.
· Strong knowledge
of automation safety standards, including IEC 61508, ISO 13849, and OSHA
regulations.
· Experience with
industrial automation troubleshooting tools and diagnostic software.
· Awareness of
energy-efficient automation solutions and smart manufacturing systems.
Core Competencies
· Automation
problem-solving and fault diagnosis.
· Strong attention
to detail and precision in installations, programming, and troubleshooting.
· Strong
communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate with
engineers, technicians, and clients.
· Adaptability and
resilience when working across multiple projects and diverse work environments.
· Analytical
thinking and the ability to assess automation system performance and recommend
efficiency improvements.
· Strong commitment
to workplace safety and compliance with applicable automation safety
regulations.