About the Company
R.A Jones is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of primary and secondary packaging, we specialize in beverage, chemical, consumer goods, dairy, food and pharmaceutical industries. Our business portfolio encompasses a wide range of innovative solutions for applications in aerosol, cartoning, chub packing, cup filling, multipacking and pouching. We strive to continuously expand our offerings and enhance our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our customers. For more detailed information about R.A Jones and its comprehensive business landscape, please visit www.rajones.com. R.A Jones is part of Coesia, a group of innovation-based industrial and packaging solutions companies operating globally, headquartered in Bologna, Italy. Coesia operates in 34 countries with 21 different companies and employs over 8,000 people as of 2026.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to join our engineering team inside an innovative manufacturer of automated packaging machines. In this role, reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for the full automation lifecycle of complex filling and packaging machinery, bridging the gap between hardware design and software execution. The ideal candidate possesses a multi-disciplinary skill set, capable of designing robust electrical schemes, programming advanced PLC logic using Ladder, and implementing standardized software architectures like PackML. A background in filling or packaging companies is considered a significant advantage, as familiarity with high-speed dynamics and precision performance is crucial for impactful contributions. Key Information: • Location: The working site will be near Bologna. • Reporting: This position reports to the Engineering Manager based in the UK. • Travel: Traveling to the UK & USA for alignments during Builds and FAT, and worldwide for commissioning and machinery audits. There should be no restrictions to travel. • Collaboration: Works in close collaboration with Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams. Main responsabilities will include: • Software Development: Design and develop control software for packaging machine modules using Ladder Logic and structured text, ensuring modularity and reliability. • Standardization (PackML): Implement and maintain software architectures following PackML (ISA-TR88) standards to ensure consistent machine states and industry-standard communication. • HMI Programming: Design and program intuitive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) to allow for efficient machine operation, diagnostics, and data visualization. • Electrical Design: Realize detailed electrical schemes and wiring diagrams, selecting appropriate components such as sensors, drives, and safety controllers. • Design Automation & PDM: Work within a CAD data management environment (e.g., SolidWorks PDM/Vault) to manage software versions, electrical BOMs, and technical documentation. • Motion Control & Integration: Work alongside mechanical engineers to integrate servo-driven axes, pneumatics, and complex kinematic systems into the automation framework. • Manufacturing & Commissioning: Provide technical guidance to production teams during assembly and lead the final software debugging and machine commissioning phases. • Technical Documentation: Create user and technical documentation to support the operation of the machines with respect to the Automation and operator interfaces, create training materials to support commissioning activities. • Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to utilize the latest technology to improve machine performance, reduce engineering lead times, and shorten development cycles.
What You Need to Be Successful
• Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent. Strong technical diplomas combined with extensive field experience will also be considered • Experience: 10 or more years of proven professional experience in automation and software design for industrial machinery. Prior experience in the filling or packaging industry (liquid filling, aerosol, ATEX etc.) is highly preferred • PLC Programming: Expert-level command of Ladder Logic and experience with major platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, Beckhoff & Codesys platforms). • Standards: Mastery of PackML for machine state management. • Proficiency in software for electrical schemes (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar). • Knowledge of IIoT protocols, remote monitoring, and advanced motion simulation. • Knowledge of machine safety principles (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC) and ATEX; familiarity with hygienic design (EHEDG) is a plus. • Analytical mindset with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. • Proficiency in both Italian and English (written and spoken) is required.
Our Offer
Compensation for this role includes a base salary starting from EUR 44.000, in line with experience. The actual offer may exceed this minimum based on the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role. The applicable collective agreement is the CCNL Metalmeccanico. Coesia is an equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity and inclusion.
Job Reference: CGS13302
