Lead Automation & Controls Engineer (Manufacturing Automation)

Location: Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata, Japan

Company

hirify.global supports the Advanced Purity Solutions Division through advanced manufacturing automation and controls.

What you will do

• Design, integrate, commission, validate, and optimize advanced automation and control systems.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for automation downtime, quality issues, and system failures.
• Program, debug, and optimize PLC logic and HMI interfaces to improve cycle time, reliability, and OEE.
• Develop automated inspection systems using vision systems, sensors, and gauging to verify parts and product quality.
• Contribute to industrial network strategy, controls standards, legacy program improvements, and data-system connections.
• Lead risk assessments, safety validations, compliance checks, troubleshooting, technical mentoring, and regional project-site start-ups.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, software engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience delivering automation and controls solutions in complex manufacturing environments.
• Expert-level PLC programming with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens, including HMI/SCADA design, integration, and optimization.
• Deep understanding of industrial networks, machine safety, and controls standards governance.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with experience resolving systemic automation issues.
• Ability to lead technical initiatives, influence stakeholders, and deliver cross-functional results.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of data analytics for smart manufacturing.
• Experience developing and integrating Ignition software.
• Exposure to cleanroom automation and high-precision assembly processes.
• Experience leading large-scale automation projects and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong English language skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaboration with cross-functional and global teams.
• Opportunity to standardize automation platforms and influence manufacturing strategy.
• Regional travel for project meetings and controls-system start-ups.