Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead and deliver automation and digitisation projects from concept through to commissioning. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role where you will design, program, and implement advanced automation systems while guiding junior engineers and driving innovation. The role includes exposure to international projects and opportunities to collaborate with global teams.
Location:
Ireland (with international travel opportunities)
Reports to:
Group Director of Digitisation
Key Responsibilities
* Lead automation projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring scope, budget, schedule, and quality targets are met.
* Design, program, and configure PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and other automation systems.
* Develop control strategies, wiring diagrams, and electrical layouts.
* Implement IoT and digital tools to optimise operations.
* Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and act as the primary technical liaison with clients.
* Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers.
* Identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement.
* Travel domestically and internationally to client sites as required.
Technical Competencies
Required:
* PLC programming & troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Omron).
* HMI/SCADA design and deployment (Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk).
* Motion control and drives integration (servo drives, VFDs).
* Industrial IoT platforms, data acquisition, and analytics.
* Industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC-UA).
* Electrical design, control panels, wiring diagrams (EPLAN/AutoCAD Electrical).
* Sensors, actuators, instrumentation, PID loops, process control.
* On-site installation, FAT/SAT testing, and commissioning.
Nice to Have:
* Industrial cybersecurity & IT/OT integration.
* Vision systems, AGVs/AMRs, robotics integration.
* AI/ML applications for predictive maintenance.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent).
* Minimum 7+ years' experience in industrial automation, including project delivery and system design.
* Proven experience managing site installations and commissioning.
* Full driver's license and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10% travel).
Behavioural Competencies
* Leadership, collaboration, and teamwork
* Strong communication and problem-solving skills
* Adaptability and customer focus
* Initiative, decision-making, and attention to detail
* Continuous learning and innovation