Engineering Manager – Automation
Location: Virginia, Co. Cavan, Ireland
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Reporting To: Technical & Operations Director
Overview
Osborne Recruitment are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager – Automation to lead the delivery and development of automation engineering activities across a diverse range of projects. This role will oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, validation, and ongoing support of automated systems.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring technical excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement while acting as a key link between senior management, engineering teams, and operational functions.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and support a team of automation engineers, technicians, and external contractors where required.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous professional development.
Manage team performance and resource allocation to ensure successful project execution.
Project & Engineering Management
Oversee the complete lifecycle of automation projects from initial concept through design, specification, manufacturing, commissioning, validation, handover, and ongoing maintenance.
Ensure project deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Review and approve technical specifications and documentation, including URS, FDS, Functional Specifications, and design packages.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure all automation systems and engineering activities comply with relevant industry regulations and standards, particularly within highly regulated sectors such as pharmaceutical, life sciences, and food & beverage manufacturing.
Support validation and qualification activities including FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ processes.
Maintain robust documentation practices in line with quality management systems and regulatory requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Design, Electrical, Controls Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Operations, IT, and external suppliers to ensure seamless project delivery.
Act as a technical escalation point for complex engineering challenges.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Drive initiatives focused on process optimisation, system reliability, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.
Identify opportunities to implement new automation technologies, Industry 4.0 solutions, IoT applications, and data-driven improvements.
Promote best practices across engineering and operational teams.
Financial & Risk Management
Develop and manage project and maintenance budgets.
Support supplier evaluation, selection, and performance management.
Identify and mitigate technical risks while ensuring effective change control procedures are followed.
Health, Safety & Compliance
Champion a strong health and safety culture across all engineering activities.
Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations, standards, and company procedures.
Candidate Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Degree qualification in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 10 years' experience within automation engineering environments.
Previous experience in a leadership or management role, including team supervision and development.
Strong background in commissioning, qualification, and validation of automated systems.
Working knowledge of industry standards and regulatory frameworks such as GMP, GAMP 5, FDA, EMA, and ISO standards.
Experience managing budgets, resources, suppliers, and project timelines.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Desirable Skills
Professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, CAP, or equivalent.
Experience with industrial robotics, machine vision systems, and advanced control technologies.
Understanding of cybersecurity principles within industrial automation and control systems.
Willingness to travel for project meetings, site visits, and commissioning activities when required.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively in fast-paced and evolving environments.
For more information, please apply through the link provided for the attention of Daniel Kirwan or email daniel.kirwan@osborne.ie
If you are interested in finding out more about the above role and would like to be considered other suitable roles that we may have available for your skill set – please attach your CV via the link provided
Please submit your updated CV in Word Format
If you are living in Ireland and hold a valid work permit, we would love to hear from you, if however, you do not hold a valid work permit unfortunately we will not be in a position to assist you with your job search.
Osborne are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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