Automation Control Engineer

Morgan McKinley; Munster; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer for a full-time, permanent role based in Co. Tipperary, Ireland.

The role focuses on developing, testing and commissioning automated systems using Siemens PLC and HMI technologies across pharma, healthcare, medical devices and life sciences sectors. You will contribute to the full project lifecycle from control system design and software development to installation and ongoing technical support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation or related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in automation/controls engineering.
• Strong PLC programming experience (Siemens TIA Portal or Step 7).
• HMI development experience and exposure to SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program and maintain PLC and HMI applications using Siemens TIA Portal and Step 7.
• Support design and implementation of automation across specialist equipment platforms.
• Configure and integrate Profinet, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP and IO-Link.
• Test, debug, validate and optimise control systems.
• Support equipment integration, installation and commissioning at customer sites.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for installed automation systems.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical and software teams throughout projects.
• Prepare technical documentation, test plans and system manuals.

Skills

Siemens PLC

HMI development

Industrial networks

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering or related

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Step 7

Job description

Automation Controls Engineer

Location: Co. Tipperary | Full-Time, Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Automation Controls Engineer to join an innovative engineering business operating at the forefront of sustainable technology and advanced equipment development.

This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology designed to transform how biohazardous waste is treated, supporting more sustainable practices across the pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical device and life sciences sectors.

Working as part of an experienced engineering team, you will play an important role in the development, testing, integration and commissioning of automated systems, with a particular focus on Siemens-based PLC and HMI technologies.

This is a hands-on engineering position offering exposure to the full project lifecycle, from control system design and software development through to equipment installation, commissioning and ongoing technical support.

The Role

You will be responsible for:

• Developing, programming and maintaining PLC and HMI applications using Siemens TIA Portal and Step 7.
• Supporting the design and implementation of automation and control systems across specialist equipment platforms.
• Configuring and integrating industrial communication protocols, including Profinet, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP and IO-Link.
• Carrying out system testing, debugging, validation and performance optimisation.
• Supporting equipment integration, installation and commissioning at customer sites.
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting for installed automation systems.
• Supporting software updates, code reviews, version control and change management processes.
• Working closely with electrical, mechanical and software engineering colleagues to deliver automation projects.
• Preparing technical documentation, test plans and system manuals.
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and the development of new automation technologies.

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
• Approximately 3–5 years' experience in an automation or controls engineering environment.
• Strong PLC programming experience, ideally with Siemens TIA Portal or Step 7.
• Experience with HMI development and exposure to SCADA systems.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and control system integration.
• Experience with commissioning, troubleshooting and automation project delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Desirable Experience

Experience with any of the following would be advantageous:

• Siemens PLC platforms and associated automation technologies.
• Industrial networking, Profinet, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP and IO-Link.
• High-level programming languages such as Python, C++, Java or JavaScript.
• IoT technologies and cloud-connected industrial systems.
• Siemens Insights Hub or similar industrial IoT platforms.
• Customer-site commissioning, acceptance testing and technical handover.

What's On Offer?

• Opportunity to work with innovative technology making a tangible environmental impact.
• Exposure to the full engineering lifecycle, from system development through to real-world implementation.
• Involvement in exciting automation and equipment integration projects.
• Collaboration with an experienced multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Opportunities to develop your technical expertise across PLC, HMI, industrial networks and connected technologies.
• Full-time, permanent position with opportunities for long-term career development.