Automation Engineer (Water)

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Description

Due to continued expansion, we are hiring for our client, a well-established engineering business operating within the water and wastewater sector, who are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis. Based at their Carlow head office, this Automation Engineer role offers the opportunity to work on technically complex automation projects from initial control philosophy through to commissioning and site handover. While the role is predominantly office-based, there will be regular site attendance during commissioning phases. This is a senior-level Automation Engineer position, ideal for someone with a strong PLC and SCADA background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage projects end-to-end in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Top 3 Things to Know About This Job

1. The Role
A technically challenging Automation Engineer role with full lifecycle ownership of automation projects across water, wastewater and industrial environments.

2. The Person
An experienced Automation Engineer with strong PLC programming expertise, capable of working autonomously while collaborating closely with multi-disciplinary teams.

3. The Reward
A highly competitive salary of €70k+ DOE, company van, 25 days annual leave and long-term career stability within a growing organisation.

The Role

As Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for managing automation projects from initial brief through to commissioning and client sign-off. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing automation projects from concept, FDS development, PLC & SCADA programming, FATs, commissioning and documentation

• Design, development and modification of PLC, HMI and SCADA systems

• Responsibility for systems architecture, software and electrical drawings

• Design of automation systems, industrial networks and control panels

• On-site validation and commissioning of PLC, instrumentation and electrical control systems

• Fault diagnostics and optimisation of existing automation systems

• Coordinating with electrical and mechanical teams to achieve commissioning targets

• Conducting Factory Acceptance Tests and Site Acceptance Tests

• Providing on-site support, including emergency call-outs where required

• Ensuring projects are delivered on time, to specification and to quality standards

The Person

The successful Automation Engineer will demonstrate:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in PLC-based automation solutions

• Hands-on experience with at least 3 of the following PLC platforms: ABB, Schneider, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi or Motorola

• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g. Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet)

• Experience in SCADA system design and implementation

• Background in controls system design and application

• Experience within water or wastewater projects (advantageous but not essential)

• Excellent communication and time management skills

• A customer-focused and solutions-driven mindset

• Full clean Irish driving licence

• Third-level qualification in Engineering or a related technical discipline

The Rewards

• €70,000+ salary, depending on experience

• Company van

• 25 days annual leave per annum

• Permanent, full-time position

• Exposure to technically challenging and high-value projects

• Long-term career progression within a stable and expanding organisation