Automation Engineer (Smart Manufacturing | Riga, Latvia)

Sunningdale Tech Ltd is a leading manufacturer of precision plastic components. The Group provides one-stop, turnkey plastic solutions, with capabilities ranging from product & mould designs, mould fabrication, injection moulding, complementary finishings, through to the precision assembly of complete products.Boasting a total factory space of more than 4 million sq feet, with more than 1,000 injection moulding machines and a tooling capacity of 2,000 moulds per year, Sunningdale Tech is focusing on serving four key business segments – Automotive/Aerospace, Consumer/IT, Healthcare and Tooling.With manufacturing facilities across Singapore, Malaysia (Johor, Penang), China (Tianjin, Shanghai, Suzhou, Zhongshan, Guangzhou, and Chuzhou), Latvia (Riga), Mexico (Guadalajara), North America (Phoenix), India (Chennai), Thailand (Rayong), and Indonesia (Batam), Sunningdale Tech is strategically positioned to target and capture opportunities in diverse business sectors globally.As an industry leader with deep engineering expertise and experience, Sunningdale Tech is driven to solve your challenges by applying our advanced capabilities & leading technology in ways that benefit you. We’re ready to provide solutions at every step of the process to reduce lead time and add value for customers, while maintaining our excellent quality. Beyond that, we build on our strong foundations to think out of the box and apply relevant new possibilities for your complex engineering problems. Customers can trust us to constantly solve challenges to meet their needs, and apply new ideas for better outcomes.What You'll DoTake technical ownership of in-house automation equipment, ensuring availability, reliability, safety and maintainability.Program, commission, troubleshoot and optimize FANUC, ABB, Nachi and Stäubli industrial robots, including paths, I/O, interlocks, safety interfaces and recovery routines.Develop, modify and troubleshoot PLC/HMI software across multiple brands, including Siemens and preferably Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Omron, Beckhoff or similar platforms.Integrate and troubleshoot machine vision, cameras, lighting, barcode/QR readers, inspection logic and reject mechanisms.Select, configure and troubleshoot sensors, encoders, servo drives, VFDs, safety devices, actuators, valves, vacuum and pneumatic systems.Design and modify machine parts, fixtures, guarding and layouts using SolidWorks and 2D CAD; prepare drawings, BOMs and technical specifications.Lead automation projects from concept and risk assessment through design, procurement, FAT/SAT, commissioning, handover and stabilization.Integrate new equipment into existing lines, including PLC, robot, vision, printing, inspection and, where applicable, MES/traceability interfaces.Perform structured fault finding and root-cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions for recurring failures.Drive measurable improvements in OEE, cycle time, changeover, scrap, ergonomics, process stability and equipment reliability.Maintain controlled backups, source code, parameter files, electrical/pneumatic drawings, robot programs and software revision history.Define critical automation spare parts and support preventive/predictive maintenance strategies.Support NPI, equipment validation, change control and documentation requirements for regulated/medical manufacturing.Ensure machinery safety, electrical safety, guarding, interlocks and LOTO compliance; participate in machine risk assessments.Train technical teams and support continuous improvement effortsCollaborate closely with Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, IT/MES and external machine suppliers.What We're Looking For✅ Bachelor's Degree in Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience✅ Minimum 3–5 years of industrial automation experience, preferably in high-volume, plastics, assembly or medical-device manufacturing.✅ Hands-on experience with:Industrial Robots (FANUC, ABB, Nachi, Stäubli)PLC/HMI Programming (Siemens essential)Manufacturing Automation and Troubleshooting✅ Experience with machine vision, sensors, servo systems, pneumatics and reading electrical schematics.✅ Strong SolidWorks and 2D CAD capability; able to create and interpret drawings, assemblies and manufacturing documentation.✅ Understanding of PROFINET/PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, OPC UA or similar industrial networks is desirable.✅ Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation and project-management skills with a practical, results-focused approach.✅ Excellent verbal and written communication in English and the language of the supporting market.Why Join Us?Work with advanced robotics and Industry 4.0 technologiesBe part of a growing international engineering environmentLead impactful automation projects with visible business resultsOpportunity to work alongside highly skilled engineering professionalsCareer development and long-term growth opportunitiesInternational candidates interested in relocating are encouraged to applyExperience living and working in Latvia, one of Europe's emerging technology and manufacturing hubsThe above statements reflect the general tasks, duties, activities and/or responsibilities necessary to describe this position and is not intended to set forth all of the specific requirements of the job. These job duties/responsibilities may change or vary in response to business needs.Only shortlisted candidates will be notifiedSunningdale Tech is an equal opportunity employer – we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce will cultivate a vibrant, productive and innovative workplace where all employees are truly respected and valued.All qualified applicants shall be considered for employment regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, religion, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, political and/or third party affiliation or veteran status. All offers of employment shall be conditioned upon successful completion of background checks, valid work passes and medical screenings, as applicable and/or mandated by law, and subject to the applicable local laws and regulations.