Líder de Automatización Industrial

Heredia, Costa Rica

The Programming and Automation Leader is responsible for leading and coordinating automation, industrial control, instrumentation, and electronic maintenance initiatives across the manufacturing plant.

This role ensures the reliability, availability, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems, including PLCs, variable frequency drives, industrial networks, instrumentation, and electronic equipment.

Acting as a technical leader and strategic business partner to Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement teams, this position drives operational excellence through automation, predictive maintenance, innovation, safety, and technological optimization, supporting productivity, quality, energy efficiency, and cost reduction objectives.

Key Responsibilities

A. Automation and Control Systems Leadership

Lead the programming, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and automated production equipment.
Ensure the reliability and availability of automation and process control systems through preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies.
Develop, modify, validate, and maintain automation programs, software backups, technical documentation, and system configurations.
Coordinate and support automation projects, equipment upgrades, modernization initiatives, and new technology implementations.

B. Industrial Electronics and Instrumentation

Diagnose and resolve complex failures in electronic systems, instrumentation devices, sensors, drives, controllers, and power electronics equipment.
Ensure the proper calibration, operation, and performance of industrial instrumentation and measurement systems.
Monitor critical electronic assets using predictive maintenance techniques and condition-based monitoring tools.
Validate equipment functionality and operational readiness following maintenance activities and system interventions.

C. Maintenance Planning and Reliability

Support maintenance planning by identifying resource requirements, spare parts needs, and technical improvement opportunities.
Participate in weekly maintenance scheduling and coordinate automation-related activities during planned production shutdowns.
Analyze equipment performance, automation failures, and maintenance indicators to improve system reliability and operational efficiency.
Lead or participate in root cause analysis investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurring failures.

D. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes through automation, digitalization, control system enhancements, and equipment upgrades.
Participate in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, SMED, and operational excellence initiatives.
Develop and maintain technical standards, procedures, work instructions, and best practices for automation and control systems.
Provide technical recommendations regarding equipment obsolescence, modernization strategies, and emerging technologies.

E. Leadership and Team Coordination

Provide technical leadership, coaching, and guidance to maintenance technicians, contractors, and external service providers.
Coordinate specialized automation and electronics activities with cross-functional teams and vendors.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the maintenance organization.
Support the development of technical capabilities and knowledge transfer across Maintenance and Operations teams. Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree or technical degree in Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or a related field.

Professional Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, electronics maintenance, instrumentation, or process control environments.
Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives, industrial control systems, and automation platforms.
Experience supporting preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs in manufacturing environments.
Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and maintaining technical documentation.

Technical Knowledge

Strong knowledge of industrial instrumentation, sensors, control systems, power electronics, and industrial electrical systems.
Proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing automated manufacturing systems.
Ability to analyze equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement effective technical solutions.
Knowledge of industrial maintenance practices and equipment reliability strategies.

Core Competencies

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Technical leadership and team coordination capabilities.
Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.
Results-oriented mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
Ability to prioritize tasks and respond effectively to critical equipment failures.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with SCADA systems, industrial networks, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Advanced knowledge of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), motion control systems, and servo applications.
Experience leading automation improvement, equipment upgrade, or modernization projects.
Advanced English proficiency.
Experience working in multinational manufacturing environments.
Knowledge of Energy Management, Reliability Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

To apply for this job please visit recluta.org.