Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Matrix Recruitment Group; Mountmellick; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix Recruitment Group has partnered with a manufacturing engineering client to recruit a Manufacturing Automation Engineer in Ireland. The role focuses on supporting daily operations, delivering automation projects, and driving process improvements to meet KPIs and FPY, including PLC programming and machine optimization.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Automation or Mechanical Engineering, be proficient in CAD/3D modelling, Windchill, and have ERP experience (SAP).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Automation, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in CAD and 3D solid modelling; able to interpret drawings and schematics; Windchill and 3D printing advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of automation design, PLC programming, electronic test equipment and testing procedures.
• Experience with APQP, RCCA, and manufacturing standards including ISO, RoHS and REACH.
• Analytical and data-handling skills; experience with ERP systems such as SAP; Lean methods; Green Belt knowledge advantageous.
• Excellent MS Office and AI tool skills; highly organized and able to work independently while collaborating across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Support daily manufacturing operations and deliver projects to improve KPIs, efficiency and FPY; PLC programming.
• Lead process and equipment development for NPI and product improvements, including automation upgrades and commissioning.
• Drive Lean and Operational Excellence initiatives to reduce cycle time and costs and improve machine utilisation.
• Machine design and 3D printing; liaise with toolmakers and fixtures.
• Support ERP and manufacturing systems; maintain data, routings and times & methods.
• Analyse production and KPI data; prepare management reports and documentation.

Skills

CAD & 3D

PLC Programming

Data Analysis

Lean Methodologies

MS Office

AI Tools

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Automation, Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

Windchill

3D Printing

ERP SAP

Electronic Test Equipment

Job description

Our client is a well established manufacturing engineering company operating as part of a successful global organisation.

We are now seeking to fill the new position of MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION ENGINEER to take a leading role in the performance and development of the manufacturing operation.

The successful candidate will be a key member of the engineering team reporting to the Engineering Manager.

YOUR NEW ROLE

• Support and improve daily manufacturing operations, delivering projects and process improvements to achieve site KPIs, increase efficiency and improve First Pass Yield (FPY), PLC programming.
• Lead process and equipment development for new product introduction and existing product improvements, including automation upgrades / machine automation, commissioning, validation, first-article testing and production readiness.
• Drive Lean and Operational Excellence initiatives, continuous improvement, driving efficiencies on cycle time / cost reduction, machine utilisation.
• Machine Design, Utilisation of 3D Printing, liaising with Toolmakers, machine/jigs & fixture
• Support ERP and manufacturing systems, maintaining engineering data, product routings, Times & Methods and associated systems.
• Analyse production and KPI data, preparing management reports and presentations to identify opportunities and drive operational performance. Develop & maintain technical documentation.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR :

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Automation, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Design & engineering software: Strong proficiency in CAD and 3D solid modelling, with the ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics. Knowledge of Windchill and 3D printing would be advantageous.
• Automation & testing: Strong knowledge of automation design, PLC programming, electronic test equipment and testing procedures.
• Quality & problem-solving: Experience with APQP, Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and structured problem-solving, with knowledge of manufacturing standards including ISO, RoHS and REACH.
• Data, systems & continuous improvement: Strong analytical and data-handling skills, including statistical tools such as Pareto analysis and distribution curves. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Lean methodologies and Green Belt-level knowledge would be advantageous.
• Professional & Operational Excellence: Highly organised and methodical, with excellent Microsoft Office and AI tool skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across all levels of the organisation.

The package includes a competitive salary, defined contribution pension scheme, further educationassistance, sick pay scheme, bonuses, service pay, on site parking and excellent career opportunities.