Company DescriptionDouglas Control & Automation has delivered automation, information technology, and safety solutions since 1977. We are the longest established Irish company in the automation sector with a strong track record of innovative and cost-effective projects. Our clients span across various industries, including pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, semiconductor, food and beverage, mining, and water treatment. We are authorized distributors for Siemens, Stahl, and Lee Dickens automation products. Our experienced team of engineers and project managers combine application expertise and product knowledge to meet customer needs.Position OverviewThe Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for leading major automation projects and driving improvements to control systems across the site. The role also plays a key part in long term planning for control system capability and lifecycle management.Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesProject and Vendor Management• Lead the scoping, design and delivery of complex automation projects• Work closely with site leadership to ensure strong communication and successful project outcomes• Prioritise workstreams and deliver on safety, cost, schedule and quality targets• Shape the long term strategy for the site's control system lifecycle• Oversee support agreements, contract personnel and specialist external consultantsSite Subject Matter Expert for Control Systems• Act as the recognised expert for PLC programming, industrial networks, HMIs, historians, batch systems, robotics and vision technologies• Lead automation specifications, technical reviews and design input for new equipment, lines and processes• Represent the site in global working groups focused on control systems• Mentor junior engineers in both controls and project delivery• Work with other engineering groups on large capital design strategies• Develop creative solutions to meet site needs• Support the maintenance team in building deeper controls expertiseEnhancing Existing Control System Infrastructure• Deliver improvements to increase system uptime, reliability and robustness• Strengthen system design to provide clearer feedback during abnormal events• Support controls engineers in developing stronger coding and design approaches• Define and promote best practice for documentation and project executionCommunication and SkillsComfortable engaging with teams from the shop floor to senior leadership. Strong presentation skills with the ability to explain complex automation topics clearly. Strong analytical and problem solving abilities. Knowledge of bespoke application development, databases and MES systems is an advantage.Education and Experience Requirements• Degree in Mechatronics, Computer or Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline• Ten years experience working with control system design, support and maintenance• Minimum of three years project management experience• Strong PLC and HMI programming expertise. Experience with Allen Bradley, Intouch, RSBatch, Fanuc, Kuka and vision systems is a strong advantage• Proven background in delivering automation projects in regulated environments• Experience in project and vendor management is beneficial