Controls Engineer

AIR Sligo; Sligo; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Scheme

Training and development

Job summary

The role requires a degree in engineering and at least five years of experience with PLCs, robotics, and machine vision. You will lead controls activities, ensure safety, and mentor junior staff while advancing new technologies and maintaining milestones.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Min 5 years experience creating machine control systems.
• Strong PLC/robotics/vision programming skills.
• Ability to travel and hold a driving license.
• Excellent communication and self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts and specifications from User Requirements.
• Develop and debug PLC/HMI/Robotics/Motion/Vision programs.
• Research and implement new control technologies.
• Coordinate controls across build and debug of equipment.
• Ensure controls deliverables meet schedule and budget.
• Liaise with customers on requirements and deliverables.
• Develop relationships with suppliers for procurement.
• Oversee design, commissioning, and safety of controls systems.
• Guide junior staff to realise designs and milestones.
• Develop machine documentation to meet EU standards.
• Meet project deliverables and deadlines.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

Machine vision

Automation systems

Project coordination

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AB ControlLogix

Siemens S7

Robotics (ABB, Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Epson)

Machine vision (Cognex, Keyence)

Industrial networks / drive systems

Job description

AIR Sligo is seeking a dynamic and experienced Controls Engineer to join our growing team of automation specialists. Since 2005, AIR Sligo has been delivering custom-designed automation solutions to leading manufacturing companies worldwide, earning a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and flexibility.

As a Controls Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems for bespoke automation equipment. Working alongside a highly skilled and collaborative engineering team, you will contribute to challenging and innovative projects, helping to deliver cutting-edge solutions for a diverse global client base.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious engineer who is passionate about automation and enjoys solving complex technical challenges in a fast-paced and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Work within the wider engineering group to develop concepts and specifications for equipment from User Requirement Specifications.
• Develop and Debug machine control programs including PLC/HMI/Robotics/Motion Control/Vision/etc.
• Involvement in research, development, and implementation of new control technologies
• Co-ordinate and manage controls elements of build and debug of equipment.
• Responsible for completing controls aspects of projects within the schedule and budget.
• Liaising with customers on requirement specifications and project deliverables
• Develop relationships with suppliers for equipment/component procurement.
• Responsibility for design, commissioning, and safety of controls systems.
• Provide guidance and direction to junior staff to help them realise designs and ensure that the customer end goals are being achieved.
• Development of machine documentation to meet EU standards.
• Meeting project deliverables and deadlines

Key Requirements

• Educated to degree level in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Min 5 years relevant experience working on the creation of machine control systems.
• Ability to program AB Control Logix, Siemens S7
• Familiar with configuring, commissioning, and debugging common machine networks and drive systems.
• Experience in robotics (ABB, Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Epson)
• Experience of machine vision (Cognex, Keyence)
• Must be keenly interested in engineering technology and remaining knowledgeable about the cutting edge of automation technology.
• Excellent communication skills are vital to communicate effectively on job specification, technical direction, and issues daily.
• Must be a self-starter with good attention to detail, willing to take ownership and responsibility to realise project milestones and timelines.
• Project management experience advantageous
• Proven track record in delivering solutions.
• Current driving license and able to travel as required.

Salary And Benefits

• Attractive Salary Package.
• Pension Scheme
• Training and development

About AIR

AIR is a modern, global manufacturing automation company, newly formed but built on decades of experience from its established business units. We combine deep industry expertise with a dynamic, forward-looking approach to deliver innovative, reliable automation solutions. We operate across six key sites located in the USA, UK, and Ireland, serving customers worldwide with a unified commitment to quality, speed, and technical excellence.

Today, AIR operates as a fully integrated global organisation, partnering with customers to help bring their products to life and scale their operations. Our mission is to empower innovation, scalability, and long-term support by combining the engineering excellence of our people with the operational capabilities of our global facilities.

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. AIR is an Equal Opportunities Employer.