Automation Engineer - County Mayo

Automation Engineer - County Mayo.

In this role you will be responsible for driving automation initiatives within the Center of Excellence (COE) to support innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance product quality & safety. This role involves developing and implementing cutting-edge automation systems, optimizing processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate automated solutions into operations, process design and production environments. The role will also play a key role in standardizing automation best practices across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:
Automation System Design and Implementation:
• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for operations, production and manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate on the integration of automated systems, including robotics, conveyors, and vision systems, into current and new product lines.
• Evaluate and select appropriate automation technologies, tools, and platforms to meet specific process requirements.
Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
• Analyze current processes and identify opportunities to incorporate automation in production environments to improve performance, accuracy, and productivity.
• Drive continuous improvement by optimizing automated systems for reduced downtime, increased throughput, and enhanced system reliability.
• Utilize methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to streamline automation processes and minimize inefficiencies.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:
• Work closely with local site and Global Automation teams, manufacturing engineers, and product development teams to design and implement automation solutions tailored to their needs.
• Provide technical support for automation systems during product development, testing, and scale-up phases.
• Foster collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure automation solutions meet technical, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Automation Systems Integration:
• Integrate automation systems with existing enterprise systems such as ERP, MES, or SCADA for seamless operation and real-time data analytics.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure proper integration of automation solutions with data infrastructure and ensure cybersecurity protocols are met.
Prototyping and Testing:
• Lead the prototyping and testing of new automation technologies and systems to validate performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement test plans to ensure automation systems meet required specifications and performance standards.
• Monitor automation systems during production trials and adjust as needed to improve efficiency or resolve any issues.
Automation Best Practices and Standardization:
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems.
• Establish and document best practices for automation design, integration, and troubleshooting to ensure consistency and scalability across the organization.
• Provide training and support to other engineers and teams on automation technologies and best practices.
Data Analytics and Reporting:
• Utilize data analytics tools to monitor the performance of automated systems and provide insights for further improvements.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and efficiency of automation initiatives.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, outlining automation project status, challenges, and opportunities.
Safety and Compliance:
• Ensure that all automation systems comply with safety standards, industry regulations, and company policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for operators and technicians.
• Participate in audits and inspections to ensure that automated systems meet regulatory and safety requirements.
Research and Innovation:
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in automation technologies and trends in the industry.
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and techniques to drive automation innovation and maintain the organization’s competitive edge.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to incorporate innovative automation solutions into new product designs or advanced manufacturing processes.

Qualifications and Skills requirements:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in automation engineering with a focus on industrial applications.
• Strong knowledge of automation technologies, including robotics, PLCs, SCADA, AI/ML and vision systems.
• Experience with automation software and programming languages such as Python, C++, Ladder Logic, or similar.
• Familiarity with control systems, sensors, actuators, and industrial communication protocols (e.g. Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Expertise in process optimization, Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with simulation software or digital twins for process optimization is a plus.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across various departments.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.