Controls Automation Engineer

Morgan McKinley; Munster; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer in Ireland to join an innovative engineering environment focused on sustainable technology. You will work on development, integration and commissioning of automated equipment and control systems from design through to customer handover.

The role requires a strong Siemens background, PLC programming, testing and troubleshooting, with travel across Ireland for projects.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in Automation or Controls Engineering.
• Strong PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal or Step 7.
• HMI development and SCADA experience.
• Knowledge of Modbus TCP, Profinet and Ethernet/IP.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test and maintain PLC and HMI programmes using Siemens TIA Portal and Step 7.
• Support design and implementation of automation control systems across equipment and machinery.
• Configure and integrate industrial communication protocols, Modbus TCP, Profinet and Ethernet/IP.
• Translate project requirements into practical automation solutions with multidisciplinary teams.
• Carry out system integration, testing, debugging and validation for reliable operation.
• Support installation, commissioning, and customer handover.
• Provide technical support to field engineers and technicians during deployment.
• Troubleshoot existing automation systems and implement software updates per change-control procedures.
• Support preventive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation (designs, manuals, test plans).
• Keep up to date with emerging automation technologies and identify performance improvements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Industrial protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation/Computer Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Siemens Step 7

Job description

Automation Controls Engineer

Location: Birdhill, Co. Tipperary
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Automation Controls Engineer to join an innovative engineering environment developing advanced technology with a strong focus on sustainability.

The successful candidate will work on the development, integration and commissioning of automated equipment and control systems, supporting projects from initial design and software development through to installation and customer handover.

This is a hands-on engineering position suited to someone with a strong Siemens automation background who enjoys PLC programming, troubleshooting, system integration and working with cutting-edge technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test and maintain PLC and HMI programmes using Siemens TIA Portal and Step 7.

• Support the design and implementation of automation control systems across equipment and machinery.

• Configure and integrate industrial communication protocols, including Modbus TCP, Profinet and Ethernet/IP.

• Work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams to translate project requirements into practical automation solutions.

• Carry out system integration, testing, debugging and validation to ensure reliable equipment operation.

• Support equipment installation, commissioning, acceptance testing and customer handover.

• Provide technical support to field engineers and technicians during equipment deployment.

• Troubleshoot existing automation systems and implement software updates in line with change-control procedures.

• Support preventive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system designs, manuals and test plans.

• Keep up to date with emerging automation technologies and identify opportunities to improve system performance.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.

• Approximately 3-5 years' experience in Automation or Controls Engineering.

• Strong PLC programming experience, ideally using Siemens TIA Portal or Step 7.

• Experience with HMI development and SCADA systems.

• Understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP, Profinet and Ethernet/IP.

• Experience with automation project delivery, system integration and commissioning.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, technical and field-based teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with Siemens PLC platforms and associated control technologies.

• Exposure to high-level programming languages such as C++, Java, JavaScript or Python.

• Knowledge of IoT and cloud-based technologies, ideally Siemens Insights Hub.

• Experience with equipment testing, validation and customer acceptance testing.

The Opportunity

• Work on innovative technology with a genuine sustainability focus.

• Be involved in the full engineering lifecycle, from development through to commissioning.

• Gain exposure to Siemens automation, connected systems and industrial technology.

• Work alongside an experienced automation engineering team.

• Opportunities to develop technical expertise across PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial communications.

Location: Birdhill, Co. Tipperary.

The role will involve travel within Ireland for customer projects and installations, with occasional international travel where required.