Industrial Automation & Control Systems Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a skilled Industrial Automation & Control Systems Engineer to support and modernise the operational technology used in our steel wire manufacturing facility. This role focuses on maintaining existing control systems, improving plant data collection and monitoring systems, and upgrading legacy automation and machine vision platforms to modern, reliable solutions.

Based in Newcastle, NSW and working closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams, you will help ensure our manufacturing systems remain reliable, efficient, and scalable as we modernise our plant infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot industrial control systems supporting wire drawing, heat treatment, and finishing equipment
• Support and improve plant data acquisition and monitoring systems
• Diagnose and maintain machine vision systems used for quality control and defect detection
• Modernise legacy control and data systems, including migration to newer platforms where appropriate
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs
• Integrate production equipment with plant databases and reporting systems
• Improve system reliability through monitoring, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance
• Work with production teams to identify automation improvements and process optimisation opportunities
• Document system architecture, upgrades, and operational procedures
• Support commissioning of new equipment and upgrades to existing machinery

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience with industrial automation, controls engineering, or OT systems
• Knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron, etc.)
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, and plant data systems
• Familiarity with machine vision systems
• Experience working with legacy manufacturing systems and modernisation projects
• Knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, etc.)

• Experience with database administration and industrial data integration

• Ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in heavy industry or manufacturing environments is highly regarded

Key Benefits

Below are some of our key central benefits that are available to all employees. Other benefits may be available depending on your role or site.  

• Generous parental leave: 20 weeks paid Primary Carer Leave and 3 weeks paid Partner Leave for those who have worked at the business for at least 12 months. The company also provides superannuation contributions for the Primary Carer during the period of unpaid parental leave for eligible employees (limitations apply).
• Employee Benefits Program: Employee Added Extras (EAE), our Employee Benefits Program, provides discounts for you and your friends and family on gift cards, shopping, groceries, home products, car rentals, holidays, recreation and more
• Recruitment referral awards: $1500 is awarded to eligible employees for referring friends or family to an open role if the candidate is successful.
• Corporate rates for private health insurance: Nib Health Insurance offers discounted cover for employees.
• Employee Assistance Program: Sonder, our EAP, offers confidential, professional and free counselling and support resources in areas such as marriage/family difficulties, interpersonal conflict, stress, depression or anxiety, alcohol and/or drug dependencies, grief, loss or trauma and workplace problems.

About us

InfraBuild is Australia’s leading integrated steel manufacturing, distribution and recycling business, making steel using our electric arc furnaces. We provide solutions for commercial and residential construction, large scale and nation-building infrastructure as well as our primary producers and rural sectors. We are nation builders. Each day, we help build futures through sustainable steel.

InfraBuild's wire team is Australia's largest manufacturer of wire for construction and manufacturing industries. Our wire products are used in the manufacture of products from nails for the building industry to wire rope for draglines used in open cut mining. With InfraBuild Mills located in Geelong, VIC and Newcastle NSW, our facilities are ideally placed to service our customers’ requirements across Australia & New Zealand.

Why work here?

We offer more than just a job; we provide a dynamic environment built on three pillars that define our commitment to both our team and our industry. 

• Work with a greater purpose: Join us in the pursuit of a sustainable future as we progress our ambition to become carbon-neutral. You will contribute to a legacy that not only helps to build our nation but sustains our environment for future generations. Embrace a culture where differences are celebrated, innovation is embraced and valuing everyone's unique perspectives contributes to our transformation.

• Work well - live better: We understand the importance of working in an environment which supports you to balance your personal and professional life. Experience a culture which values you as a whole person - where family extends to the workplace and your well-being matters. You’ll thrive not only in your career with us, but beyond. 

• Build your own future: Step into a culture where every day is an opportunity to grow, and where driving your own development is not just encouraged; it's expected. You’ll be empowered to take the wheel of your learning journey and uncover your potential. The possibilities are limitless.

We invite you to forge your career in a workplace where passion meets purpose, wellbeing is nurtured and the opportunity to thrive is in your hands.

It is our ambition at InfraBuild to cultivate an inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We encourage candidates from all cultural backgrounds, genders, orientations, age groups, and abilities to apply. Your diversity is our strength in creating sustainable and innovative steel solutions for Australia's tomorrow.

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.