Senior Programmer (Allen Bradley)
Co. Westmeath
Permanent
Role Overview
This hands-on role in the Software and Controls Department, reporting to the Software and Controls Team Lead, involves designing, programming, commissioning, and debugging machine control systems. The engineer works with PLCs, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, motion control, and data management, collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams and customers to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality automation solutions on time and within budget. The role requires a team player attitude, actively contributing to the success of the team and project goals.
Key Responsibilities
Key Requirements
Education & Experience
Technical Skills
Key Skills & Abilities
This hands-on role in the Software and Controls Department, reporting to the Software and Controls Team Lead, involves designing, programming, commissioning, and debugging machine control systems. The engineer works with PLCs, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, motion control, and data management, collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams and customers to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality automation solutions on time and within budget. The role requires a team player attitude, actively contributing to the success of the team and project goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop machine concepts and technical specifications from User Requirement Specifications (URS) in collaboration with the wider engineering team.
- Design, program, debug, and commission control systems, including PLC, HMI, robotics, motion control, and vision systems.
- Participate in research, development, and implementation of new and emerging control technologies.
- Perform controls-related activities during machine build, testing, and debugging.
- Deliver engineering work for control system elements within project schedule and budget.
- Work directly with customers to clarify requirements, provide technical solutions, and support project deliverables.
- Contribute to the design, commissioning, safety, and compliance of control systems.
- Provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
- Contribute to the production of machine and control documentation in compliance with EU standards.
- Plan, execute, and deliver engineering work to achieve project milestones and deadlines.
Key Requirements
Education & Experience
- Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline (Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, or similar), or equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience developing machine control systems.
Technical Skills
- Strong PLC programming skills: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens S7
- Experience configuring, commissioning, and debugging machine networks and drive systems
- Robotics experience with one or more of the following: ABB, Fanuc, Mitsubishi
- Machine vision experience, including: Cognex, Keyence
- Familiarity with motion control, HMIs, and data management systems
Key Skills & Abilities
- Hands-on, practical problem-solving and engineering focus
- Strong interest in automation and emerging technologies
- Excellent communication skills for interaction with customers, suppliers, and engineering teams
- Team player, actively contributing to multidisciplinary teams
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to take ownership of engineering tasks
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions
- Project management experience is an advantage
- Full driving license and willingness to travel as required
