Automation Controls Engineer

Harmonics-Recruitment & Search; Limerick; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmonics-Recruitment & Search seeks an Automation Controls Engineer for a Clean tech client in Ireland's Midwest. You will design, develop, commission and continuously improve automation systems for products and customer installations, focusing on Siemens PLC/HMI, industrial networks, IoT and cloud connectivity.

You will collaborate with engineering and operations, supporting testing, handover, and on-site activities, with travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field.
• 3–5 years in automation controls engineering, Siemens PLC/HMI preferred.
• Proficient in PLC/ HMI programming and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation solutions for GENERATIONS and Large-Scale Unit.
• Develop, test, and maintain PLC/ HMI programs (TIA Portal/Step 7).
• Configure industrial networks (Modbus TCP, Profinet, Ethernet/IP) and IoT/cloud integration.
• Support commissioning, testing, handover, and field service activities.
• Provide fault diagnosis, maintenance, and documentation updates.

Skills

Siemens PLC/HMI

TIA Portal

Step7

PLC/ HMI Programming

Programming languages (C++, Java, Java

Industrial protocols (Modbus TCP, Profi

IoT/Cloud (Insights Hub)

SCADA systems

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Automation / Computer Engineering

Tools

TIA Portal

Step 7

Job description

Our Clean technology Client based in the Midwest has a requirement for an Automation Controls Engineer. The role will involve supporting the Engineering and Operations teams through the design, development, commissioning and continuous improvement of automation and control systems for the companies products and customer installations. The Automation Controls Engineer supports the automation function across the GENERATIONS unit and Large-Scale Unit. The role assists with the development, testing, commissioning, and support of control systems, including PLC and HMI programs, industrial networks, and IoT and cloud connectivity. The engineer works under the direction of the Senior Automation Controls Engineer, contributing to system improvements, fault finding, documentation, and customer installation and handover activities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• System Design and Development Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather project requirements and assist in translating them into automation solutions Support the design and implementation of the control systems used by the GENERATIONS unit and Large-Scale Unit, including hardware and software elements Develop, test, and maintain PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI (Human Machine Interface) programs using TIA Portal Assist in configuring industrial communication networks such as Modbus TCP, Profinet, and Ethernet/IP for reliable system integration Apply their engineering standards and best practices in all design and development work, and contribute to their ongoing improvement
• System Integration and Commissioning Support the integration of control systems with existing equipment and infrastructure, verifying performance against requirements Carry out testing, debugging, and validation of automation systems to support system reliability Follow code repository standards and release processes across development, QA, and customer environments Assist technicians and field engineers during deployment and commissioning activities Support customer installation, commissioning, acceptance testing, and handover activities on site
• Maintenance and Support Provide troubleshooting and fault-finding support for installed automation systems, escalating complex issues where required Prepare and submit code updates in accordance with their change control and governance processes, and contribute to code reviews Support preventive maintenance activities to maintain the long-term reliability of systems Contribute to the assessment of new technologies and industry developments, and suggest improvements to system performance
• Documentation and Training Create, update, and maintain system documentation, including designs, manuals, and test plans Ensure documentation supports compliance, quality, and effective knowledge transfer Assist in delivering technical training for staff and end-users on automation systems where required Contribute to knowledge sharing within the automation team

Skills and Abilities Required

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, Automation, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 3 to 5 years of experience working in automation controls engineering, with a preference for Siemens PLC and HMI systems using TIA Portal or Step 7. Experience with other automation platforms would be considered
• Competence in programming PLCs and HMIs, with experience contributing to project delivery
• Experience in high-level programming languages such as C++, Java, JavaScript, or Python preferred
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and IO-Link
• Exposure to IoT and cloud-based systems, ideally Insights Hub
• Experience of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to support the resolution of complex issues
• Ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate across disciplines

Appropriate candidate will require all the relevant work permits to work in Ireland Willingness to travel within Ireland for on-site projects and customer support Willingness to travel abroad if required TPBN1_IJ