Systems Automation Engineer

Thornton Tomasetti; The Borough District of Clonmel; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Ireland is seeking a seasoned automation engineer to program PLCs, HMIs, robotics and vision inspection systems for manufacturing lines in Clonmel. You will collaborate with equipment and quality teams to ensure robust software and testing processes.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering and at least 5 years in pharma/medical devices or related sectors, with experience in FAT/SAT/IQ/OQ/PQ and OEE metrics. Abbott values rigorous documentation and cross‑functional communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 5 years’ experience in Pharma, Medical device, Semiconductor, FMCG industry.
• Experience with FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ protocols.
• Experience defining User Requirements Specifications.
• Experience developing OEE measurement systems, automated alarms, reports and KPI metrics.

Responsibilities

• Carry out PLC, HMI, robotics, and vision inspection programming.
• Liaise with equipment engineers to specify controls systems requirements.
• Review and supervise software developed by external vendors.
• Develop testing protocols ensuring software integrity.
• Assist in Site and Factory Acceptance Testing.
• Identify opportunities for process, productivity and quality improvements.
• Co‑ordinate the introduction of new automation technologies.
• Take ownership of software revision control for each automation asset.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotics programming

Vision systems

Networking trouble

Documentation

Analytical skills

OEE systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Sysmac Studio

CX-One

Studio5000

Robot Studio

TwinCAT

FactoryTalk

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has maintained a strong presence in Ireland since 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in the country in 2026. The company supports the Irish healthcare sector with a broad portfolio spanning diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. Today, Abbott employs more than 6,200 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

About Abbott: Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Please note any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a medical practitioner designated by the Company.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a range of PLC, HMI, Robotics, Vision inspection and other automated systems programming work.
• Liaise with the equipment engineers to specify controls systems requirements.
• Review and supervise software development by external vendors, ensuring code is well structured, adequately annotated, easy to read and edit.
• Liaise with equipment engineers in development of testing protocols ensuring that software integrity will be adequately tested.
• Assist in execution of Site and Factory Acceptance Testing.
• Identify opportunities for process, productivity and quality improvements through control or inspection systems optimisations.
• Research and co‑coordinate the introduction and implementation of new automation technologies.
• Liaise and communicate with the different engineering, production and quality team members.
• Liaise with Maintenance technicians in troubleshooting equipment issues.
• Update equipment software as required ensuring it where possible it maintains validated state.
• Take ownership of software revision control for each automation asset.

Key Skills

• Programming of Omron, Allen Bradley, Beckhoff PLC’s and HMI’s.
• Programming of ABB, Fanus, Denso Robots.
• Programming of Keyence and Cognex vision inspection systems.
• Software experience with following packages: Sysmac studio, CX-One, Studio5000, Robot Studio, TwinCat, FactoryTalK.
• Configuration of communication interfaces and networks (Ethernet).
• Ability to diagnose hardware, software, networking issues.
• Ability to interpret electrical and pneumatic drawings.
• Experience in electrical CAD software and SolidWorks is an advantage.
• Excellent IT skills and proficient in Microsoft Office packages.
• Strong documentation, reporting and analytical skills.
• Scada experience is preferred.
• Experience defining User Requirements Specifications and executing FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, PQ protocols.
• Experience developing OEE measurement systems, automated alarms, reports and KPI metrics for plant management is highly desired.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline.
• 5 years’ experience in Pharma, Medical device, Semiconductor, FMCG industry.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

The base pay for this position is N/A. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

Job Details

• JOB FAMILY: Engineering
• DIVISION: AVD Vascular
• LOCATION: Ireland > Clonmel : Cashel Road
• ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
• WORK SHIFT: Standard
• TRAVEL: Not specified
• MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Yes
• SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Not Applicable

Abbott is about the power of health. For more than 135 years, Abbott has been helping people reach their potential — because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions — across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether it’s next‑generation diagnostics, life‑changing devices, science‑based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health. The people of Abbott come to work each day with relentless energy, enthusiasm and a promise to enhance the health and well‑being of millions of people. They push the boundaries to help manage and treat some of life’s greatest health challenges.

We invite you to explore opportunities at Abbott, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings. An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

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