Lead Automation Engineer

Role overview

This full-time, permanent opportunity is for a Lead / Senior Automation Engineer based in Dublin, Ireland. The position suits an automation professional who wants to remain technically involved while also taking ownership of delivery and guiding projects from start to finish.

You would be joining an international automation-focused business with operations across Europe and the US. The company works on complex projects for industries such as life sciences, data centres, food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing. Its approach is technology-agnostic, so project work may involve different systems including Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson, Ignition, AVEVA, and similar platforms, depending on what best fits the assignment.

The Dublin team is relatively new and expanding quickly, creating the chance to contribute early to a growing office while being supported by a larger organisation with more than 2,000 employees. The business has also been experiencing strong year-on-year growth of over 30%, which opens up further progression opportunities.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of automation projects from the initial concept stage through commissioning.
• Provide hands-on technical input while also leading delivery activities.
• Work across PLC, DCS, SCADA, and MES environments.
• Contribute to design, development, testing, and commissioning work.
• Collaborate directly with clients, often on-site.
• Support small to mid-sized engineering teams in delivering varied technical projects.
• Travel within Ireland and Europe for around 40% to 50% of the time.

Requirements

• Solid experience in industrial automation, particularly across PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.
• Proven ability to deliver projects end-to-end.
• Comfort working in a practical, hands-on leadership position.
• Willingness to travel and work on client sites.
• Must hold a valid EU passport or Stamp 4 permission; visa sponsorship is not available.

What makes this opportunity appealing

• A wide range of technical exposure rather than being restricted to a single vendor or platform.
• High autonomy and regular client interaction.
• The chance to help shape a newer Dublin office as it grows.
• Backed by a stable, well-established international company.
• Strong scope for career progression as the team expands.

Additional information

This is a permanent, full-time onsite position in Greater Dublin. The role is intended for candidates who can work in Ireland without sponsorship. The hiring team is particularly interested in applicants with strong technical depth who are also comfortable taking the lead on delivery and client engagement.