Automation & Controls Engineer

Overview:
This is an exciting opportunity for an Automation Engineer to join a leading engineering company focused on developing excellence inhouse for design, build and testing of control panels. This is a project-focused Automation Engineer role with a hands-on programming on a variation of projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading end-to-end automation projects from initial concept through to development and implementation within the engineering environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation and control projects from initial concept and feasibility through design, manufacture, installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Design and engineer motor control systems, automated equipment, robotic cells, tooling, fixtures, and custom machines.
• Produce Functional Design Specifications (FDS), technical documentation, and project deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare accurate quotations, cost estimates, and technical scopes for medium to large-scale automation projects.
• Specify and design hardware and control solutions compliant with applicable standards (UKCA, CE, UL, safety codes, and project guidelines).
• Design electrical schematics, control panel enclosure layouts, and backplate layouts using ECAD tools.
• Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and technical documentation.
• Design, program, configure, test, and commission PLC, HMI, and automation control systems, including integration of external devices and systems.
• Design, program, and integrate robotic systems, including external axes where required.
• Lead system integration, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning activities.
• Act as a technical point of contact for clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Support fabrication, assembly, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting phases of automation projects.
• Provide ongoing production and operational support to improve reliability, efficiency, and performance of manufacturing systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (customers, tooling, project management, manufacturing, and engineering) to define requirements and deliver complete automation solutions.
• Participate in design reviews, prototyping, testing, and process simulations to validate solutions prior to deployment.
• Improve existing systems to achieve optimal performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Research, evaluate, and apply new automation technologies, devices, and components to enhance system capability and efficiency.
• Carry out general project engineering and project management duties, including working effectively across multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements:

• NFQ Level 7 qualification in a relevant discipline.
• 5–7 years’ experience in automation engineering.
• Expertise in PLC programming, HMI, SCADA, CAD, Schematic tools(Eplan).
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
• Qualified electrician with testing and verification credentials is a plus.
• Valid passport for international installs
• Valid driving licence

Location:
SF Engineering has two locations. The ideal candidate must be able to commute regularly to one of the locations shown.   

• Grange, Co Sligo, Ireland
• St Ives, Cambridgeshire, England