Senior Automation Engineer
Location: Ireland (Hybrid with site & international travel)
Sector: Industrial Automation / Digital Manufacturing
A rapidly growing global automation and engineering consultancy is expanding its Irish operations and is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to play a key role in delivering high-impact automation and digitalisation projects.
The business operates internationally across Europe and North America, supporting clients in highly regulated and performance-driven sectors including pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, energy,and advanced manufacturing. With a strong focus on innovation, digitisation and intelligent manufacturing, the company offers engineers the opportunity to work on technically complex projects with genuine global reach.
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on, senior-level role ideal for an automation professional who enjoys leading from the front and being involved at every stage of the project lifecycle — from concept and design through to commissioning and handover.
As one of the senior automation professionals in Ireland, you will help shape local capability while collaborating closely with established international teams across the world. You will be customer-facing, technically influential, and instrumental in driving best practice across automation and digital delivery.
Key Objectives
Deliver scalable, future-ready automation and digital solutions that generate measurable client value
Own automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring time, cost and quality targets are met
Design, program and configure robust control systems across PLC, HMI/SCADA and IoT platforms
Influence automation strategy, standards and ways of working within the Irish business
Provide technical leadership, mentoring and quality assurance across project teams
Contribute to international projects, collaborating with global engineering teams
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery
Lead automation projects from design through implementation, testing and commissioning
Manage scope, schedule, cost, risk and quality throughout the project lifecycle
Prepare and maintain detailed technical and project documentation
Carry out risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies
Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients and stakeholders
Automation Design & Programming
Design, program and troubleshoot PLC, HMI/SCADA and automation systems
Develop control philosophies, electrical designs and system architectures
Integrate digital and IoT technologies to improve operational performance
Perform FAT/SAT, testing, validation and commissioning activities
Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations and best practice
Collaboration & Coordination
Work closely with international engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including subcontractors and client resources
Support knowledge sharing and standardisation across projects
Ensure smooth integration of global project components
Technical Leadership
Mentor and support junior engineers and technicians
Promote consistent, high-quality engineering standards
Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex automation issues
Review and approve technical designs and documentation
Foster a culture of learning, innovation and continuous improvement
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities for automation innovation and optimisation
Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies
Contribute to the development of in-house digital and IoT platforms
Capture lessons learned to improve delivery and scalability
Technical Skills & Experience
Essential
PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Omron or similar)
HMI/SCADA development (Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk, Wonderware or similar)
Motion control, drives, servos and VFDs
Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC-UA)
Electrical design and documentation (EPLAN / AutoCAD Electrical)
Site installation management and commissioning leadership
FAT/SAT, commissioning and full project lifecycle delivery
GAMP and V-Model documentation exposure
Desirable
Industrial cybersecurity and IT/OT integration
Vision systems and machine vision
Robotics, AGVs or AMRs
AI/ML applications, predictive maintenance or advanced analytics
Qualifications
Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent)
5+ years’ experience in industrial automation project delivery
Proven experience managing site works, commissioning and subcontractors
Full driving licence
Travel
Regular travel to client sites within Ireland
Occasional international travel to project sites and global offices (circa 10%)