Senior Engineer, R&D Automation

Senior Engineer, R&D Automation 

Location: Bornem (Belgium) This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture capsules to the highest quality and safety standards. 

We are looking for a hands-on experienced engineer with a strong background in the machinery industry, who enjoys taking the lead in developing advanced software for complex machines. As a Senior Engineer R&D Automation, you will be responsible for designing and building the complete software architecture of our machines in-house from initial concept and design to full implementation. In this role, you will develop automation systems, motion control and PLC solutions for new technologies, support outsourced developments, transfer systems to global CIM, act as a global SME and stay up to date with the latest automation innovations. 

What you will get: 

• An agile career and dynamic working culture. 

• An inclusive and ethical workplace. 

• Compensation programs that recognize high performance. 

• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location. ​

The full list of our global benefits can be found here:  https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits. 

The full-time annual base pay for this position in Belgium is expected to range between EUR 75.000 and EUR 105.000,-. Initial salary placement within this range will be determined based on role‑related factors such as experience, qualifications, and expected contribution. 

What you will do: 

• Designs new control systems to support Lonza's strategic and business objectives. This includes the design of hardware: from conceptual design to practical realization (defining / wiring / testing / debugging) software (Motion, PLC, controllers): writing code, testing and documenting. Defining operating parameters which deliver a consistent system operation to required outcomes. 

• Supporting outsourced developments by defining functional requirements working with affiliate end users and management, following up implementation, ensuring applicable standards are followed learning the details of the system in order to be able to be the Subject Matter Expert 

• In collaboration with project team leaders, he/she defines possibilities to automate operational activities: production machines, print machines, sorting equipment and melting equipment. 

• Transfer prototype systems to lead sites and global CIM, providing hands‑on startup support and executing required hardware/software upgrades. 

• Provides training and documentation for end users, including functional guidance and well‑structured system manuals. 

• Reports accurately on projects progress, including timescales, resources, issues and possible solutions. 

• Monitors the evolution on the market relating to hardware and software platforms in order to correctly deal with obsolescence of the equipment. 

​

What we are looking for: 

• Master degree in Engineering or equivalent 

• Extensive experience in the Electrical and Automation industrial field, as well as in Siemens PLC and motion & drive platforms 

• Proven experience and interest in software development, testing and troubleshooting 

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, enabling you to collaborate with other teams as well as to work independently 

• Strong problem-solving skills and thinking-out-of-the-box skills, enabling you to swiftly find solutions 

• Knowledge of following software: Simotion Scout, Siemens TIA, WinCC & Unified HMI, Simatic Manager, and other PLC/software programming environments 

• Fluency in Dutch, English. 

​

About Lonza 

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of. 

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board. 

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.