Automation Engineering Leader

Sigmar Recruitment; South Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sigmar Recruitment is seeking an Automation Engineering Leader to spearhead strategy, design and commissioning of automated manufacturing systems. You will lead a high‑performing team of automation engineers and technicians to maximise uptime, optimise throughput and ensure safety.

The role balances hands-on technical leadership with people management. You will define long-term automation strategy, manage projects plant-wide, mentor engineers, and drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a similar automation leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation products and coding from specifications.
• Experience with Cognex vision systems and Control Networks (ControlNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet).
• Experience integrating and configuring VFD/Servo motion systems.
• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems (Allen Bradley, Schneider).
• Deep knowledge of network architectures and fieldbus protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA).

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term automation strategy aligned with site targets.
• Manage, mentor and upskill a team of Automation Engineers and Technicians.
• Lead plant-wide automation projects and liaise with vendors for equipment evaluation and acceptance.
• Drive continuous improvement of automated equipment using Lean/Six Sigma and PM techniques.
• Allocate engineering resources for daily operations and long-term deployments.
• Serve as escalation point for complex automation failures to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor equipment performance and root-cause issues.
• Provide frontline technical leadership to Engineering, Operations, Validation, Development & Quality.
• Support plant-wide automation change control and software revision control.
• Assist Validation with new process validation, upgrades and NPIs.
• Ensure risk assessments and safety improvements, support budgets.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC

Rockwell Automation

Cognex Vision Systems

VFD/Servo Motion

SCADA/HMI (AB/Schneider)

EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA

Project Management

Lean Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Vendor Management

Education

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

Tools

Allen-Bradley/ Rockwell Automation hardware

SCADA/HMI tooling (Allen Bradley, Schneider)

Vision systems Cognex

Job description

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 maximise equipment uptime, optimise 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)