Senior Controls and Robotics Engineer

Sigmar Recruitment; Cavan; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sigmar Recruitment is seeking a Senior Controls & Robotics Engineer in Ireland to own and deliver bespoke automation projects from design through commissioning. You will lead a team of controls engineers and collaborate with mechanical, electrical and software specialists to ensure seamless integration and successful handover to customers.

The role covers PLC programming, HMI development, machine vision and robotics with hands-on leadership and a proactive problem-solving approach.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in controls engineering, industrial automation or robotics.
• Strong PLC programming and machine commissioning experience.
• Experience with HMIs, robotics and machine vision systems.
• Proven ability to lead and support other engineers.
• Excellent problem-solving and customer-facing communication.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement and commission control systems for bespoke machinery and automation projects.
• Work across PLC programming, HMI development, machine vision and industrial robotics.
• Lead and support controls engineers, providing technical guidance and direction throughout projects.
• Take ownership of project progress, identifying technical challenges and determining the appropriate next steps.
• Troubleshoot complex controls, robotics and automation issues to ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software and project teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Engage directly with customers to understand requirements, provide technical updates and ensure project expectations are met.
• Support project development, from initial technical requirements through to installation and final commissioning.
• Travel nationally and internationally for installation and commissioning activities, approximately 10-20% of the role.

Job description

Senior Controls & Robotics Engineer

Location: Cavan, Ireland
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Controls & Robotics Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering bespoke automation and machine-build solutions.

This is a senior, hands‑on engineering role suited to someone who can take ownership of complex automation projects, from controls design and development through to implementation, commissioning and customer handover.

You will work across a range of technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, machine vision and robotics, while providing technical leadership and direction to other controls engineers. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem‑solver who can work independently, make sound technical decisions and drive projects through to successful completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement and commission control systems for bespoke machinery and automation projects.

• Work across PLC programming, HMI development, machine vision and industrial robotics.

• Lead and support controls engineers, providing technical guidance and direction throughout projects.

• Take ownership of project progress, identifying technical challenges and determining the appropriate next steps.

• Troubleshoot complex controls, robotics and automation issues to ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software and project teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.

• Engage directly with customers to understand requirements, provide technical updates and ensure project expectations are met.

• Support project development, from initial technical requirements through to installation and final commissioning.

• Travel nationally and internationally for installation and commissioning activities, approximately 10-20% of the role.

Requirements

• Significant experience in controls engineering, industrial automation or robotics.

• Strong experience in PLC programming, controls design and machine commissioning.

• Experience working with HMIs, industrial robotics and machine vision systems.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of engineering projects and drive them through to completion.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions independently.

• Experience providing technical leadership, direction or support to other engineers.

• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging directly with customers.

• A proactive, self‑sufficient approach, with the ability to manage priorities and make technical decisions without requiring close supervision.

• Willingness to undertake national and international travel as required.

What's on Offer?

• A senior engineering position with genuine technical responsibility and project ownership.

• The opportunity to work on bespoke machinery, advanced automation and robotics systems.

• Exposure to a broad range of controls technologies and complex engineering challenges.

• The opportunity to lead and support other engineers while remaining hands‑on technically.

• Direct customer engagement and involvement throughout the project lifecycle.

• A collaborative engineering environment that values technical excellence, initiative and accountability.

• National and international travel opportunities.

Who Will Succeed in This Role?

This position is ideal for a senior engineer who combines strong technical expertise with a high level of initiative and accountability. You will be comfortable assessing machine and project requirements, identifying the next steps, resolving challenges and keeping projects moving forward.

You will be expected to take ownership of your work, make informed decisions and deliver projects to completion, while collaborating with colleagues and seeking technical support when appropriate.