Graduate Automation Engineer

Veolia; Kilkenny; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health cover

Pension

Education assistance

Job summary

Veolia Ireland seeks a Graduate Automation Engineer to design, develop and commission PLC systems and SCADA/HMI graphics across Water and Wastewater projects. You will travel to Veolia sites nationwide, contributing to plant commissioning and network configurations while learning from a diverse team.

The role offers structured mentoring, CPD opportunities, and career progression within a dynamic environmental services company that values safety and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Degree in Automation, Electronics, or Computer Science or equivalent
• Engineering or automation experience desirable
• Strong communication skills essential

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission PLC code.
• Build SCADA and HMI graphics.
• Assist in configuring telemetry and industrial networks.
• Perform on-site commissioning for PLC, HMI, SCADA systems.
• Write ladder logic and structured text scripts.
• Ensure works meet specifications and safety rules

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

CPD eager

Willingness to travel

Education

Automation/Electronics/CS degree

Tools

PLC

SCADA

HMI

Profibus

DeviceNet

EtherNet/IP

Modbus

Job description

Background

Veolia is Ireland’s leading environmental services company. We provide a comprehensive range of energy, waste and water solutions and are dedicated to carbon reduction, protecting the environment and building the circular economy. We offer all employees a benefits package as standard which includes full VHI cover, pension and education assistance.

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It’s why we’re looking for someone who’s just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life.

We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

Graduate Automation Engineer

Location: Nationwide (Headoffice is Kilkenny, but the successful candidate will be working in a variety of areas based on project requirements)

Duration: Permanent

Overview of the Role

Due to continued success and growth across the Water division, we are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking individual to join the Automation team as a ‘Graduate Automation Engineer. The successful candidate will work on a wide scope of Water and Wastewater Treatment projects across the Island of Ireland. With this in mind, you will be required to travel to other Veolia sites, plants and offices.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to work within a supportive, friendly and challenging environment, you will get to work on exciting projects, whilst learning from a diverse team of talented people and leading experts. What’s more, you’ll be provided with the freedom to push boundaries and constantly learn and develop your skill-set.

As a dynamic and progressive company, we encourage our employees to be ambitious and forward thinking so if you are seeking continued growth and have a drive to progress within an organisation Veolia Ireland can offer you career enhancement opportunities and the learning and development supports to achieve your goals.

Day to Day of the Role

• Design, develop, and commission PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) code.
• Build SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) graphics.
• Assist in configuring telemetry and industrial networks.
• Perform on-site commissioning for PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Write ladder logic, functional block diagrams, or structured text scripts.
• Functional Design Specifications (FDS), I/O lists, and logic diagrams.
• Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Working alongside the in-house design team for PLC/HMI/SCADA Coding.
• Ensure all works are carried out in accordance with contractual and internal specifications.
• Liaise with clients during project testing, installation, and commissioning.
• Work alongside project engineers, electrical/instrumentation technicians, and process commissioning teams.
• Adhere strictly to site Health, Safety, Environmental, and Sustainability policies and procedures.

Required Skills for the Role

• Degree qualification (or higher) in Automation, Electronics, or Computer Science
• Engineering, or equivalent automation experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Keen interest in automation, instrumentation, and drive networks (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, Profibus, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus).
• Basic Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment industry (Desirable)
• Willingness to travel to operational water and wastewater treatment sites; a valid, clean driving licence is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Eagerness to learn through structured mentoring and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
• Driven to develop skills in industrial network design, configuration, and OT Cybersecurity, with a practical interest in switches, routers, and firewalls.

Please note:

If you are an EU/EEA national, you will be asked to show proof of right to work in Ireland.

If you are a non-EU/EEA national , you will require current and valid permission to work and reside in the Republic of Ireland.

Information on legislation and guides to the procedures in relation to obtaining greencard permits ,work permits, spousal/dependant permits is available on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website.