Synkron is hiring a Junior Automation Engineer in Nairobi, Kenya.
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:
- Provide on-site and remote technical support to clients for a​utomation system troubleshooting and optimization.
- ​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.
