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.