Automation Engineering Leader

embecta; Leinster; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

embecta is seeking an Automation Engineering Leader to define the long-term automation strategy and lead a team of automation engineers and technicians. You will drive project delivery across the manufacturing floor, liaise with vendors, and champion Lean/Six Sigma improvements to maximize uptime and throughput.

The role requires 8+ years in automation, hands-on expertise with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Cognex vision, and strong networking and SCADA/HMI experience.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in a similar role with Equipment Automation, Software or related experience.
• Experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation products and coding from specification.
• Experience with Cognex vision systems and control networks.
• Experience integrating high speed motion systems and SCADA/HMI systems.
• Knowledge of network architectures and fieldbus protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA).
• Ability to translate control logic into business value; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute long-term automation strategy.
• Lead and mentor Automation Engineers and Technicians.
• Oversee plant-wide automation projects and coordinate with vendors.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean / Six Sigma and PM techniques.
• Assign resources for daily operations and long-term projects.
• Lead root-cause analysis for complex automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Validation, Development & Quality teams.
• Support automation change control and software revision control.
• Assist validation with process validation and equipment upgrades.

Skills

Automation leadership

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Cognex vision systems

SCADA/HMI systems

Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP,Pro

VFD/Servo motion

Object oriented programming

SQL Server / database design

Education

B.Eng. in Electrical/Software/Manufacturing or related

Tools

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation

Cognex Vision

SCADA / HMI platforms (Allen Bradley, Schneider)

EtherNet/IP / Profinet / Modbus / OPC UA networks

Job description

embecta is a global medical device company with a 100-year legacy in insulin delivery and diabetes care. Driven by innovation, purpose, and a commitment to improving lives, we are expanding our portfolio of solutions to serve even more patients, healthcare providers, and communities around the world.

Job Purpose

The Automation Engineering Leader will spearhead the strategy, design, commissioning, and continuous improvement of our automated manufacturing systems. They will work with a high-performing team of automation engineers and technicians to maximize equipment uptime, optimize throughput, and ensure operational safety. This role balances high-level hands-on technical leadership and people management.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term automation strategy aligned with corporate and site targets
• Manage, mentor, and upskill a team of Automation Engineers and Technicians
• Manage automation projects plant wide as required and liaise with vendors in the design, procurement, evaluation and acceptance of new equipment
• Support the continuous improvement of all automated equipment using Lean / Six Sigma and Project Management techniques
• Assign engineering resources to support both daily plant operations and long-term project deployments
• Act as the ultimate escalation point for complex, systemic automation failures to minimize plant downtime
• Work closely with cross functional teams in monitoring equipment performance using proven troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques / methods to solve to root cause
• Provide front line technical support and leadership to Engineering, Operations, Validation, Development & Quality departments
• Support plant wide automation change control and manage software revision control systems
• Assist the Validation team in new process validation, equipment upgrades and NPI's
• Ensure all new equipment and tasks are risk assessed, support investigation and near miss resolution, and proactively drive actions to reduce safety risks
• Provide assistance in the preparation of budgets.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives as appropriate – Lean, LDMS, Blitz’s.

Educational Requirements And Relevant Experience

• B.Eng. in Electrical, Software, Manufacturing or related engineering discipline

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• At least 8 years’ experience in a similar role with Equipment Automation, Software or related experience
• Specific experience and in-depth knowledge of Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation products including capability to write code from specification
• Experience of High Speed Vision systems (Cognex) and Control Networks & Communication Systems (ControlNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet)
• Experience integrating and configuring complex VFD/Servo motion systems
• Experience of development, deployment & maintenance of SCADA / HMI systems (Allen Bradley, Schneider)
• Deep knowledge of network architectures and fieldbus protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA)
• Creative thinking team player with excellent communication skills, an ability to work on own initiative combined with the ability to work seamlessly across various departments
• Some experience of Object Oriented Programming and SQL Server / database design is advantageous
• Ability to translate complex control logic into clear business value for executive stakeholders and plant managers
• Calm under pressure with a high-urgency mindset tailored for a fast-paced production environment

embecta is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.