Senior Controls Field Service Engineer (PLC Progamming)

Location: Kilkenny, Ireland
Travel: Domestic and International Travel (when required)
Type: Contract / Freelance - initial 3 month duration

We are recruiting on behalf of an innovative automation engineering organisation that designs and supports advanced automated manufacturing systems for customers worldwide.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on automation professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working directly with customers, and travelling to support cutting-edge automated systems across a diverse range of industries.

The role combines controls programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer support, offering exposure to sophisticated automation technologies including PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, robotics, and integrated production equipment.

Working both independently and alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will play a key role in ensuring customer systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably throughout their lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and support PLC and PC-based control software to meet customer requirements

• Commission, troubleshoot, and optimise automated machinery and production systems

• Diagnose and resolve controls, electrical, and automation-related faults on customer sites

• Support and maintain PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, robotics, and associated control hardware

• Deliver technical support during installations, upgrades, maintenance activities, and breakdown situations

• Produce detailed service reports and maintain accurate technical documentation

• Identify opportunities for system improvements, upgrades, and performance enhancements

• Coordinate with customers, project teams, and third-party suppliers to ensure successful project delivery

• Lead on-site technical activities where required

• Build in-depth knowledge of specialist automation systems to become a trusted technical expert for customers

About You

We''re looking for an engineer with:

• Degree or diploma qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline

• Minimum 5 years'' experience within industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing systems environments

• At least 3 years'' experience programming PLCs and HMIs

• Strong knowledge of Allen Bradley and/or Siemens control platforms

• Proven experience diagnosing and resolving faults on automated machinery

• Understanding of motion control systems, servo drives, industrial networks, and automation architectures

• Strong knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics

• Excellent communication and customer-facing skills

• Ability to work independently and manage priorities while supporting customer sites

Desirable experience includes:

• Robotics programming and integration

• Machine vision systems

• Database connectivity and industrial communications

• Experience supporting complex automated manufacturing environments