Automation Engineer

Now hiring! Automation Engineer

Seneca, SC. (Onsite) 

We are seeking a professional like you to join our Catalyst team in Seneca, South Carolina.

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world, and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics, and other products. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation, and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success.

You will have the opportunity to drive changes to the site’s manufacturing environment by working with staff throughout the plant to implement a myriad of digital and technical solutions

The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automation systems to support safe, efficient, and compliant operations in our Sence, chemical manufacturing facility.

As a Automation Engineer, you create chemistry by...

• Providing technical support and troubleshooting for E&I Technicians on all electrical and automation systems (PLCs, VFDs, MMI, Service Panels & MCCs, sensors/instruments, valves/motors, Wonderware System Platform, and related software).
• Offering engineering leadership for hardware and distribution systems across low, medium, and high voltage, focusing on maintenance, reliability, electrical safety, and explosion protection.
• Investigating incidents causing downtime or quality deviations, determining root causes, and proposing or implementing corrective and preventive actions, while maintaining key documentation accuracy for electrical systems and process controls.
• Conducting and overseeing preventive maintenance, system upgrades, and installations, ensuring compliance with NFPA, OSHA, and BASF standards.
• Developing and executing project plans, including descriptions, timelines, resources, and costs; interfacing with vendors on bid specs, design reviews, and factory acceptance testing.
• Sharing expertise and providing training to build team competencies in A&D, while participating in site audits and continuous improvement initiatives for process safety, asset protection, and operational excellence.
• Adhering to strict site security protocols for precious metals, including controlled access, inventory management, audit trails, and compliance with regulatory and internal standards for handling, storage, and transfer.
• Implementing robust safety measures for hazardous chemical processes and precious metals, and maintaining awareness of environmental regulations and best practices for waste management, recycling, and spill response.
• Monitoring and controlling automation systems to prevent cross-contamination, supporting traceability and documentation for precious metal transactions, and collaborating with finance and supply chain to optimize usage and minimize losses.

If you...

• Have a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Automation.
• Have a minimum 5 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Have demonstrated expertise in PLCs, ladder logic, and programming.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.