Automation & Controls Engineer M/F

Verkor is a French industrial company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of low-carbon lithium-ion battery cells for electric mobility and energy storage applications. The company is headquartered in Grenoble and has developed its first Gigafactory in Bourbourg, near Dunkirk, which was officially inaugurated in December 2025 under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron. With an initial production capacity of 16 GWh per year, the facility represents a major step toward large-scale industrial battery manufacturing in Europe. Verkor's core mission is to produce low-carbon batteries in Europe while contributing to industrial sovereignty and decarbonization. The company positions itself as a key player in the European energy transition, addressing the dual challenge of reducing dependence on non-European battery supply chains and accelerating the shift to electric mobility. Its Gigafactory is expected to create 1,200 direct jobs and approximately 3,000 indirect jobs in the region. What sets Verkor apart is its 'digital by design' industrial model, which integrates digital technologies throughout its manufacturing processes to optimize ramp-up speed and production efficiency. The company has progressed rapidly through commissioning and line balancing phases, moving toward full-scale serial production. Backed by prominent industrial and financial partners, Verkor is establishing itself as a fully-fledged European battery manufacturer in a strategically critical sector.

About this role :

Main responsibilities :

Develop, implement, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs.

Lead the design and integration of complex automation systems for manufacturing processes.

Lead automation projects from conception to completion

Optimize and improve the production lines by reducing cycle time, reducing downtime, and improving quality.

Implement control strategies to enhance system performance and maintain optimal process conditions.

Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation enhancements.

Review and sign off detailed design phase outcomes during the project.

Participate in various control equipment buy-offs at vendor sites.

Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to validate automation solutions

Requirements :

Master’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

5 years minimum of professional experience in designing and implementing automation and control systems.

Advanced proficiency programming industrial equipment using various IEC 61131-3 languages.

Proficient in PLC and HMI programming (Mitsubishi, Siemens, Schneider, or similar)

Hands-on experience integrating and commissioning high-volume manufacturing equipment. (preferably battery industry)

In-depth knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as CC-Link IE TSN, Profinet, Modbus TCP

Experience in OPC UA connectivity and MES interfaces

Experience in writing technical documentation

Experience in designing electrical schematics using CAD tools such as EPlan or AutoCAD (preferable)

Experience in evaluation, design, and implementation of safety functions (preferable)

Multi-tasking ability to manage multiple projects at the same time

Excellent team player who is open to new ideas and thoughts

Good English written and oral skills

Highly organized and result-driven

Capable of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines

Strong communication skills to work in an international environment

Interpersonal skills: flexibility, motivation and passion, sense of quality, positive and can-do attitude, friendliness