Automation & PLC Technician: Build & Commission Controls

Force; Dublin; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Force is seeking an Electrical & Automation Technician with strong PLC programming and industrial automation skills. The role involves wiring, programming, testing and commissioning control systems for bespoke machinery and automated production lines.

You will build electrical control panels, develop PLC/HMI programs, and integrate labellers, barcode scanners and vision systems. You will work in workshop and at customer sites across Ireland, ensuring safe, compliant automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Qualified Electrician with QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Craft – Electrical and relevant industrial experience, or a Level 7 qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or Mechatronics.
• A minimum of three years' experience in industrial automation, machine building or electrical controls.
• Practical experience in PLC programming, modification and fault-finding, ideally with Omron and/or IFM systems. Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley or other PLC platforms will also be considered.
• Experience developing and configuring HMI applications, VFDs and servo drives.
• Ability to read, interpret and produce electrical schematics and control panel drawings.
• Working knowledge of machine safety systems, including safety relays, interlocks, emergency stop circuits and machine guarding.
• A full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel to customer sites throughout Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Build and wire electrical control panels and machine wiring in accordance with electrical schematics and relevant standards, including IS 10101 and EN 60204-1.
• Program, modify and fault-find PLC systems, ideally using Omron, IFM or similar platforms, for conveyors, labelling systems and automation cells.
• Configure and commission HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo drives, motors, sensors, safety relays, light curtains and interlocking systems.
• Integrate auto-ID equipment into automated production lines, including print-and-apply labellers, thermal printers, barcode scanners and vision systems.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet and Modbus TCP.
• Conduct system testing and factory acceptance testing (FAT) in collaboration with mechanical engineering and project teams before equipment dispatch.
• Install and commission machinery and automation systems at customer sites throughout Ireland, including integration with existing PLCs and production line controls.
• Provide electrical and automation input to the design team, including panel layouts, I/O lists and as-built electrical drawings.
• Maintain PLC program backups, revision records and electrical documentation in accordance with the company's ISO 9001 quality management system.
• Provide remote and on-site technical support for installed and commissioned systems as required.
• Adhere to safe electrical working practices at all times, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Support and assist apprentices and other team members within the workshop environment.

Education

QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Craft – Electrical

Level 7 qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Omron PLC

IFM PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Force is seeking an Electrical & Automation Technician with strong PLC programming and industrial automation skills. The role involves wiring, programming, testing and commissioning control systems for bespoke machinery and automated production lines.

You will build electrical control panels, develop PLC/HMI programs, and integrate labellers, barcode scanners and vision systems. You will work in workshop and at customer sites across Ireland, ensuring safe, compliant automation solutions.