Automation Engineer

CREGG; Sligo; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

CREGG in Ireland is seeking a skilled Control Systems Engineer to translate electrical and mechanical schematics into reliable PLC programs and robust HMI/SCADA solutions for client plants. You will lead on-site commissioning and troubleshooting, integrate hardware such as VFDs and sensors, design industrial networks, and ensure safety and documentation standards across projects.

This role requires hands-on leadership, travel to sites as required, and a proactive approach to optimise processes

Qualifications

• Software Programming – Write structured PLC code, modify and optimise control code using relevant languages (e.g. Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram etc.)
• Hardware Integration – Program and configure Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), servo drives, robotics, sensors, actuators, and safety interlocks.
• Industrial Networking – Design and troubleshoot fieldbus and industrial communication protocols (EitherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, DeviceNet et)
• Process Optimisation – Identify bottlenecks in existing automation routines to improve cycle times, reduce equipment downtime, and enhance plant/site safety.
• System Commissioning & Troubleshooting – Conduct FAT and SAT, using virtual simulation and/or physical hardware testing, debug electrical errors and perform root-cause analysis on faults under production pressure prior to commissioning.
• Documentation & Safety Standards – Develop Control Functional Specifications (CFS), I/O lists, operator manuals, and ensure full compliance with relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Software Programming – Write structured PLC code, modify and optimise control code using relevant languages (e.g. Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram etc.)
• Hardware Integration – Program and configure Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), servo drives, robotics, sensors, actuators, and safety interlocks.
• Industrial Networking – Design and troubleshoot fieldbus and industrial communication protocols (EitherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, DeviceNet et)
• Process Optimisation – Identify bottlenecks in existing automation routines to improve cycle times, reduce equipment downtime, and enhance plant/site safety.
• System Commissioning & Troubleshooting – Conduct FAT and SAT, using virtual simulation and/or physical hardware testing, debug electrical errors and perform root-cause analysis on faults under production pressure prior to commissioning.
• Documentation & Safety Standards – Develop Control Functional Specifications (CFS), I/O lists, operator manuals, and ensure full compliance with relevant standards.

Job description

Scope of Work:

• Control Systems Architecture – Translating electrical/mechanical schematics into reliable PLC programs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
• Industrial HMI/SCADA Development – Designing Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) screens for operator monitoring and control.
• On-Site Commissioning & Troubleshooting – Installing, debugging and optimising control systems in client/site plants.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Software Programming – Write structured PLC code, modify and optimise control code using relevant languages (e.g. Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram etc.)
• Hardware Integration – Program and configure Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), servo drives, robotics, sensors, actuators, and safety interlocks.
• Industrial Networking – Design and troubleshoot fieldbus and industrial communication protocols (EitherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, DeviceNet et)
• Process Optimisation – Identify bottlenecks in existing automation routines to improve cycle times, reduce equipment downtime, and enhance plant/site safety.
• System Commissioning & Troubleshooting – Conduct Factor Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), using virtual simulation and/or physical hardware testing, debug electrical errors and perform root-cause analysis on faults under production pressure prior to commissioning.
• Documentation & Safety Standards – Develop Control Functional Specifications (CFS), I/O lists, operator manuals, and ensure full compliance with relevant standards.

People Management/Leadership Responsibilities:

• Be a role model for your team – leading by example.
• Inspire, lead and manage a team effectively – Influence desired outcomes utilising effective leadership skills.
• Ensure compliance with all standards, procedures and regulatory requirements
• Educate, train, develop, coach and constructively correct team members to enable them to progress their skills and abilities.

Travel

This role is office-based primarily, with a requirement to travel domestically or overseas to client sites when required