Principal Automation Engineer – Wexford Full Time

Principal Automation Engineer

Purpose

The Automation Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of advanced industrial automation solutions, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, motion control, robotics, and vision systems. This role ensures robust software architecture and adherence to industry standards, driving innovation and continuous improvement in automation technologies.

Responsibilities

•Lead the design and development of software for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, motion control, vision systems, and robotic solutions.
•Own software architecture and coding standards across projects.
•Define and review system requirements, functional specifications, and design documents.
•Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of software with mechanical and electrical systems.
•Champion software validation and compliance with relevant industry regulations (e.g., GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11).
•Provide hands-on development, debugging, and troubleshooting support on projects.

•Drive continuous improvement in software development practices and tools.
•Mentor junior software engineers and support competency development across the team.
•Contribute to the technical roadmap and innovation pipeline of the business.

Requirements

•Bachelors or Masters degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related discipline.
•10+ years of experience in industrial automation software development

•Proven expertise in programming PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, Schneider EcoStruxure).
•Hands-on experience with HMI/SCADA systems, motion control, and safety
integration.
•Strong understanding of pharmaceutical and/or food industry standards, including GMP, GAMP, and validation protocols.
•Experience with robotic systems (Delta, SCARA, Cobots) and machine vision integration.
•Deep knowledge of control system design, fieldbus protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet), and industrial networking.
•Excellent leadership, communication, and documentation skills.
•Experience with high-level languages (e.g., Python, C#, or C++) for middleware or testing applications.
•Familiarity with MES/ERP integration, data logging, and Industry 4.0 concepts.
•Knowledge of cybersecurity in industrial control systems.
•Project experience with regulated environments (FDA, EMA) and qualification activities (DQ, FAT, SAT).
•Experience working in or leading cross-functional agile teams.
•Familiarity with DevOps concepts and tools for automation environments (e.g., version control, CI/CD).