Automation Engineer (Maintenance)

As an Automation Engineer (Maintenance) at BlueScope, your responsibilities include providing technical support for automation control systems, conducting root cause analysis investigations, supervising maintenance activities, and implementing asset improvement projects. You'll work to enhance operational productivity and reliability by collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to resolve critical equipment failures, maintain automation systems, and ensure the continuous uptime of our assets at the Port Kembla facility.

To apply for the Automation Engineer (Maintenance) position at BlueScope, you should possess a degree in Electrical Engineering along with relevant experience in maintenance within manufacturing or heavy industry. You need to demonstrate a commitment to safety, a strong background in electrical maintenance, and proficiency in fault finding with PLCs and motor control systems to be a successful candidate.

BlueScope is dedicated to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and development for its employees, including Automation Engineers (Maintenance). You will have the chance to build skills tailored to your role through various training programs, mentoring initiatives, and innovative projects that encourage professional growth. This commitment ensures that you can progress in your career while contributing to the company's success.

Ideal qualities for an Automation Engineer (Maintenance) at BlueScope include strong problem-solving skills, technical expertise in automation systems, and a collaborative mindset. Additionally, a solid commitment to safety, the ability to work independently or within teams, and effective communication skills are crucial for driving operational excellence and building effective relationships with colleagues in the CPCM department.

The work environment for the Automation Engineer (Maintenance) at BlueScope is dynamic and inclusive, emphasizing collaboration and safety. You will be part of a positive team culture that values each member's contributions, encourages innovation, and supports work-life flexibility. The role involves engaging with cutting-edge equipment and technologies while working towards sustainability goals within the vibrant Port Kembla Steelworks community.

When answering this question, detail the specific automation systems you've worked with, your role in maintaining or upgrading these systems, and any situations where your expertise led to significant improvements or resolutions of issues. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your approach to fault-finding in complex systems to show how you can contribute effectively.

For this question, recount an example that illustrates your technical skills and ability to work under pressure. Discuss the steps you took to identify the issue, the solutions you implemented, and the outcome. Emphasize your analytical thinking and teamwork if collaboration was involved in resolving the failure.

When discussing task prioritization, explain your methods for assessing urgency, impact on production, and resource availability. Provide an example where you successfully balanced multiple projects without compromising quality or safety, showcasing your organizational skills and ability to communicate effectively with your team.

In your answer, outline specific strategies you use for preventive maintenance, condition-based monitoring, and continuous improvement. Discuss your experience with implementing asset management systems and how these strategies have contributed to improved uptime and reduced costs in past roles.

Focus on your commitment to a safety-first mentality. Provide examples of how you have identified potential safety risks in automation or maintenance tasks and implemented measures to mitigate these risks. Highlight your ability to train and influence your team in adhering to safety standards and practices.

Reflect on what drives your passion as an Automation Engineer (Maintenance). Share experiences where your contributions led to positive outcomes for your team or the organization, such as improving safety, increasing efficiency, or successfully developing a new solution. Your enthusiasm for the role will resonate with interviewers.

Be prepared to discuss a specific project that involved collaboration with different departments, explaining your role, the challenges you faced, and how you managed communication between teams. Focus on how your cross-functional collaboration contributed to the project's success and your ability to leverage diverse expertise.

List the relevant tools and technologies you've used, such as PLC programming software, SCADA systems, or maintenance management software. Discuss how you've applied these tools in previous roles, emphasizing their impact on project outcomes and efficiency. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and adaptability.

Address your commitment to continuous learning by discussing resources you engage with, such as industry seminars, online courses, and professional organizations. Mention any certifications or training you've pursued to enhance your skills, which shows your proactive approach to staying updated in the ever-evolving field of automation engineering.

Share your aspirations related to your career path in automation engineering, such as advancing to leadership roles or specializing in certain technologies. Discuss how the position at BlueScope aligns with these goals and how you plan to leverage the opportunities for growth and development within the organization.