Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Working Life

With the global population rapidly growing resulting in an ever-increasing demand for food and new energy resources there is a significant demand for biosystems, agriculture and food engineers.

The biosystems, agriculture and food engineering team have an extremely rewarding and challenging career delivering drink, foodstuffs and biomaterials to meet these demands within extreme environmental and resource limitations. The team is focused on every aspect of the food chain from environmental protection to food production to distribution, applying technology to turn raw materials into everyday foodstuffs such as pasta, pissa and ice cream.

Biosystems, agriculture and food engineering graduates find work at the forefront of advancing technology, developing and designing new methods and machinery to solve problems facing our global ecosystem.

They combine the principles of engineering and biology to create and design systems that will deliver high quality, economical and safe food to consumers. Their work ranges from developing responsible, environmentally friendly uses for food production by-products and for water, air and soil quality protection to the design of improved methods and equipment to process, handle, package and store food produce.

Challenging employment is available for agricultural and food engineers at home and overseas in a wide variety of organisations. These include food processors and manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, consultant engineering firms, agribusiness organisations, research institutes, environmental protection organisations, government agencies and Third World development organisations. They also can work with other specialists like microbiologists and geneticists. 

Job opportunities also arise in design and development work with the national and international farm machinery manufacturing industry.

Employers include manufacturing companies, research organisations, agribusiness organisations, government agencies and local authorities, as well as significant employers such as Coca Cola, Dawn Meats, Glanbia, Diageo and Kerry Group.

Salaries will vary according to company but graduates should expect starting salaries of EUR25k to EUR30k a year. This can increase considerably with experience and further qualifications.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
• Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
• Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
• Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
• Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
• Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
• Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
• Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
• Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
• Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.

Further Information

• Agricultural Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Agricultural Engineering Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Biosystems Agricultural & Food Engineering- from: STEPS Engineers Ireland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

A Biosystems Engineer works on the design and development of new agricultural methods, machinery, and systems towards solving problems facing the global ecosystem. Biosystems, agriculture and food engineers can find work in many areas, including:

• The food and drink industry
• Research institutes
• Agricultural and environmental agencies
• Government bodies 

Engineers have normally complete an appropriate engineering degree in Agricultural Engineering. Entrants also come from other engineering backgrounds, especially in Mechanical Engineering. Post-graduate study is an advantage.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: CNC, computer numeric control operator, engineering, OEM, computer-aided design, engineering technology.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: prelim engineering, pre-university engineering, civil, mechanical, electronics engineering, science, agricultural science.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Agricultural Mechanic, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Mechanical Automation, Maintenance Fitter.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: engineering, agricultural, biomedical, energy, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, automation, polymer, sustainability, renewable energy, agricultural mechanisation.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, research, manufacturing process, automation systems, biomedical, sustainable energy.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Engineers Ireland depending on level of entry, Mechanical Engineers can gain Chartered Engineer or Associate Engineer status. You can apply for these professional titles through Engineers Ireland after first gaining an accredited degree, diploma or certificate, followed  by three or four years experience in the workplace.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €76k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Talent/ Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicholas/ Payscale/Salary expert

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians; Electrical and electronic technicians; Engineering technicians Quality assurance; technicians Planning, process and production; technicians Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.

Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.

New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here