The English-language job board for Spain

Senior Automation Engineer

Hybrid in Alcobendas·Full-time·Added 3 months ago (last checked 22 Oct)

GEA

15 open roles

Apply

Our summary

Work mode: Hybrid, Alcobendas
Contract: Full-time
Spanish: Native level
English: Required
Experience: 2+ years
Education: University degree
Benefits: Private health insurance

Visa options

The ad doesn’t mention sponsorship
Not a refusal, but not a yes. Worth asking in your first message.

Find jobs with visa support

Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering or a related field (Automation, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, etc.); Master's degree is a plus.
Minimum 2+ years of experience delivering PLC and SCADA automation solutions in industrial environments.
Strong knowledge of automation, control systems, electricity, pneumatics, and industrial system architecture.
Hands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Siemens, Schneider, and Rockwell, and HMI/SCADA systems including FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition, Siemens, and Schneider.
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and engineering software tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related technical applications.
Native Spanish and advanced English (B2/C1); additional languages such as French, German, or Portuguese are an advantage.
Knowledge of hygienic design principles, QHSE standards, and industry standards such as ISA S88, S95, and S101.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and within multicultural, cross-functional teams.
High level of professionalism, ethics, and compliance awareness.
Willingness to travel internationally up to 45% of the time.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

Attractive compensation package aligned with experience & responsibilities
Private health insurance plan
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model
23 days of vacation per year
Great work environment as part of a collaborative team
Continuous internal training and career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally
The opportunity to join a company recognized as a Top Employer 2026

The role

As a Senior Automation Engineer based in our Alcobendas (Madrid, Spain) office, you will join a dynamic, multicultural team and collaborate on international projects from contract signing to final delivery. You will play a key role in designing, implementing, and commissioning advanced automation solutions, while providing technical leadership, ensuring best practices across projects, and supporting the successful delivery of automation systems worldwide. This position offers the opportunity to work in an international environment with significant customer interaction and travel for commissioning activities.

What you'll do

Design, program, implement, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA automation solutions for international projects (2-8 projects annually).
Own the automation scope from design through delivery, ensuring compliance with quality, schedule, budget, customer specifications, and company standards.
Lead commissioning activities worldwide (up to 45% travel), including I/O testing, basic electrical measurements, safety assessments, and system validation.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including functional analyses, engineering reports, and project progress updates.
Supervise electrical panel assembly and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support project execution and material procurement.
Identify, manage, and mitigate technical and project risks while making sound operational decisions.
Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and standardization initiatives across projects.
Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and knowledge sharing to support team development and best practices.

Hiring process

2 steps3 interviews

Online application · In your own time
Application review
Interviews
With a Talent Acquisition Partner and hiring manager · 30–60 min · 3 sessions
Typically three touchpoints; attendees are named in the invitation.
Trial day
Not every role
Depends on the specific position.

If selected for interview, a Talent Acquisition Partner contacts you, usually within a few days.
You can reapply for the same position only after six months.

Hiring process

Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.

About GEA

GEA is a global technology group and one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry and a wide range of other industries. The company focuses on sophisticated production processes, offering components and complete solutions for end-user markets such as food, beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical. With a strong engineering heritage, GEA employs tens of thousands of people worldwide and operates in over 50 countries.

Industry: Engineering
Founded: 1881
Employees: 10,000–20,000
Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
In Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Santa Comba and 2 more

Good to know if you are moving

GEA has a significant presence in Spain, with offices and service centers in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Santa Comba (Galicia), offering opportunities in engineering, sales, and after-sales service.
The company is a global leader in process technology, providing a strong platform for career growth in industrial engineering and project management.
GEA operates in over 50 countries, making it easier for international hires to transfer between locations and gain cross-border experience.
The Spanish operations focus on the food and dairy sectors, including specialized roles in dairy equipment and after-sales service, which are key industries in Spain.

All open roles at GEA