Contract Senior Automation Engineer - Concept to Validation

Location: Galway

Work Arrangement: 3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote

If you thrive on complex technical challenges, varied project scopes, and true end-to-end ownership, this is the contract for you.

We are looking for a hands-on Senior Automation Engineer to join a dynamic team delivering innovative controls and integration projects. Unlike standard rollout positions, this role supports global initiatives where no two assignments are the same. You won't just be tweaking existing setups - you will take full ownership across the complete project lifecycle, taking solutions directly from initial proof-of-concept design, through site commissioning, to final validation.

This environment favors continuity and rewards expertise. While initial contracts are issued for 12 months, multiple contractors within this business unit have maintained continuous extensions well past the 5-year mark, with pathways to direct permanent conversion also available for those seeking a long-term home.

Key Focus Areas

• End-to-End Ownership: Drive complex automation projects from early POC design stages through to formal commissioning and validation.

• Advanced PLC Programming: Lead development and modifications across Allen-Bradley platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and legacy PLC-5 / SLC 500 support).

• Robotics & Vision Integration: Integrate industrial robotics alongside high-precision Cognex vision inspection systems.

• Data & Enterprise Bridging: Link shop-floor PLC data seamlessly with top-floor operations via MES systems and SQL databases.

• Global Exposure: Perform approximately 10% international travel to oversee commissioning and validation at the site level.

Essential Requirements

• Proven track record programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs (Studio 5000 / RSLogix).

• Hands-on experience integrating Cognex vision systems and industrial robotics.

• Demonstrated capability interfacing PLCs with SQL databases or the MES layer.

• Complete project lifecycle exposure (Design/POC through to formal Validation).

• Ability to work onsite for the first 6 months and thereafter 3 days per week and travel up to 10% internationally.

Ready for a role that pushes your technical capabilities? Apply today or contact Varinder Kandola 021 230 0444 for a confidential discussion.