Lead Automation Engineer

CREGG; Ireland; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CREGG in Cork is seeking a Lead Automation Engineer with machine build, design and validation experience for a long-term contract. You will lead complex automation projects, manage design and qualification activities, and collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-quality manufacturing solutions.

The role requires strong project leadership, hands-on experience with Cognex vision systems, PLCs, robotics and GAMP/ISO13485 awareness, with a focus on efficiency,

Qualifications

• Strong project management and stakeholder management capability.
• Experience with FAT, SAT, equipment commissioning, qualification and validation.
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations including FDA, ISO 13485 and GAMP principles.
• Experience with machine connectivity, data-enabled manufacturing or Industry 4.0 solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex automation projects from concept through production release.
• Own project delivery and interface with suppliers, system integrators and automation vendors.
• Manage equipment design, FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning and validation activities.
• Provide technical leadership across automation disciplines including controls, mechanical design and robotics.
• Plan and execute IQ, OQ, PQ, MSA and validation studies.

Skills

Cognex vision

VisionPro

Machine vision

Robotics

PLC/SCADA

HMI

Servo motors

Mechanical design

Electrical schematics

Process validation

Data validation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Design review tools

Job description

CREGG is currently looking for a Lead Automation Engineer with Machine build, Design and Validation experience for a long term contract based in Cork

Responsibilities

• Lead complex automation projects from concept through production release, ensuring adherence to agreed scope, schedule, budget, quality and performance objectives.
• Own project delivery and act as the primary technical and project interface with equipment suppliers, system integrators and automation vendors.
• Manage equipment design and build activities, including concept selection, design reviews, risk assessments, build oversight, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), installation, commissioning, validation and production handover.
• Provide technical leadership across relevant automation disciplines, which may include controls, mechanical design, equipment design, machine vision, robotics, software integration and process automation.
• Develop and maintain user requirements, equipment specifications, project plans, design documentation, acceptance criteria and validation strategies for automated manufacturing systems.
• Characterise, optimise and validate manufacturing processes on complex automation equipment to achieve product quality, process capability, reliability, cycle-time and operational efficiency targets.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, including Process Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, R&D, Supply Chain and external vendors.
• Plan and support equipment qualification and process validation activities, including IQ, OQ, PQ, MSA, GR&R and structured process characterisation studies, as applicable.
• Lead structured problem solving and technical issue resolution during design, build, commissioning, validation and production ramp-up.
• Drive improvement in equipment reliability, uptime, yield, cycle time, maintainability and cost performance.
• Review and approve relevant design outputs, such as mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, software documentation, risk analyses, equipment manuals, test protocols and validation deliverables.

Expertise:

• Cognex In-Sight, VisionPro or Designer platforms.
• Automated visual inspection and inspection-system development.
• High-speed assembly automation and robotic systems.
• PLC, HMI, servo motion and industrial controls.
• Mechanical design and design-for-automation.
• Automated test systems, laser processing or precision inspection.
• Industrial networking, machine connectivity and manufacturing data collection.

Experience:

• Strong project management, communication and stakeholder management capability.
• Experience with FAT, SAT, equipment commissioning, qualification and validation.
• Working knowledge of statistical methods for process characterisation and equipment qualification.
• Knowledge of medical device regulatory and validation expectations, including applicable FDA, ISO 13485 and GAMP principles.
• Experience with machine connectivity, data-enabled manufacturing or Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Ability to communicate technical risks, decisions and recovery plans clearly to vendors and internal stakeholders.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Relevant disciplines may include Automation, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Controls or a comparable engineering qualification.