Automation Specialist

Overall objective of the role (mission)

Reliability, Efficiency & Safety of Automated Equipment

Ensure the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of all Automated Equipment—including Automated RTGs and their supporting ecosystem such as Automated Safety Fences—as well as the automated systems installed on Quay Cranes (e.g., OCR systems). Maximize equipment uptime and reduce the need for manual intervention through robust automation practices and proactive monitoring.

System Performance Optimization

Continuously analyze, fine‑tune, and enhance system infrastructure to identify performance bottlenecks, improve operational efficiency, and ensure optimal integration between automated subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Root Cause Analysis & Incident Management

Lead investigations into automation‑related failures or downtime events.
Lead investigation into failures or outages, conducting RCA to implement long‑term solutions and prevent recurrence.
Document root cause findings and follow up on corrective and preventive actions.
Work with Operations to understand production issues and reliability pain points.

2. Preventive Maintenance, Reliability Modelling & Lifecycle Management

Preventive Maintenance and Reliability Modelling: Analyze system data to predict failures (FMEA), develop proactive maintenance strategies, and ensure continuous improvement plans for optimal asset performance.
Define lifecycle management plans for automation hardware and software.
Ensure firmware and software updates are properly scheduled, tested, and deployed.
Use historians, monitoring tools, and CMMS/EAM systems to analyze failure patterns.

3. System Performance Monitoring

Monitor OT/automation system performance, identifying trends and degradation.
Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity requirements.

4. Cybersecurity & Compliance

Support cybersecurity hardening efforts in coordination with IT security teams.
Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity requirements.

5. Engineering Support & Vendor Coordination

Support engineering teams in new automation project design and commissioning.
Liaise with vendors and OEMs for complex troubleshooting or upgrades.
Establish and enforce engineering standards for automation design and reliability.

6. Documentation & Training

Documentation and Training: Create and maintain documentation and train staff in reliability and best practices.

Desired Profile

3 years of proven experience in automation projects
3 years of proven hands-on experience with PLCs, particularly with Siemens S7 PLC Programming and/or coding
Experience in a multinational context
Microsoft Office skills – minimally Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
Excellent active listening skills
Ability to clearly articulate messages to a variety of audiences
Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships
Able to work effectively at all levels of an organization
Must be a team player and able to work collaboratively with and through others
Conflict management
Ability to influence others and move toward a common vision or goal
Resilient and tenacious with a propensity to persevere
Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations
Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
Organized with a natural inclination for planning strategy and tactics
Fluent English language skills (Mandatory)

What we offer

🚢 Join the PSA Sines Team!
Do you want to work at one of Europe’s most strategic ports? At PSA Sines, we connect Portugal to the world with innovation and sustainability. We are looking for talented people who want to grow with us and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable future.
We Offer
🌍 Global impact in the logistics sector
📚 Continuous training and development
🤝 A dynamic and collaborative team
Apply today and build your future with us!
Job offer communicated in compliance with quota requirements – Recruitment under Law no. 4/2019.