Automation Engineer New
Automation Engineer (Controls & Industrial Automation) Permanent | Full-Time | Ireland or UK (Hybrid with Travel)
We are partnering with a well-established engineering and systems integration business that is investing heavily in bringing automation and controls expertise in-house. This is a newly created role and a key hire as the company evolves its offering to meet increasing customer demand for smarter, more automated production solutions.
This opportunity will suit an Automation Engineer who enjoys owning projects end to end, influencing technical direction, and helping shape how automation capability is built within a growing engineering organisation.
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on, project-focused role where you will:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems
- Play a pivotal role in moving control panel design, build, and testing in-house
- Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and project engineering teams
- Be involved from concept and scoping through to commissioning and handover
- Influence standards, best practices, and future automation capability
You will also have the opportunity to mentor and upskill internal teams, helping raise automation maturity across the business.
Key Responsibilities- Design and implement PLC, HMI, and automation solutions to improve manufacturing and system performance
- Support project scoping, feasibility studies, and risk assessments
- Lead installation, testing, and commissioning activities
- Troubleshoot automation systems and software issues
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards
- Produce clear technical documentation and deliver end-user training
- Stay current with emerging automation and industrial technologies
- Degree-qualified (NFQ Level 7 or equivalent) in Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related discipline
- 5+ years’ experience in automation or controls engineering
- Strong PLC programming experience (brand-agnostic backgrounds welcomed)
- Experience with HMI / SCADA systems
- Familiarity with CAD and electrical schematic tools (e.g. EPLAN)
- Comfortable working in project-based, customer-facing environments
- Strong communication skills and the ability to influence across teams
- Project management experience or certification is an advantage
- Qualified electrician with testing & verification experience is a plus
- Valid driving license and passport (international travel required)
- Candidates can be based in Ireland or the UK
- Regular access to one of the following locations is required:
- Co. Sligo, Ireland
- Cambridgeshire, England
- Approx. 20% travel, including occasional international site work
- Newly created position with real influence and autonomy
- Opportunity to shape how automation is delivered internally
- Exposure to varied, technically interesting projects
- Long-term growth potential as automation capability expands
- Flexible, engineering-led culture focused on collaboration and trust
Should you be interested in learning more, please apply directly or email your CV to: [email protected] for a confidential conversation.
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