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.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• 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.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

The Work

An Automation Engineer works in manufacturing, setting up automation for tasks and monitoring the ongoing functioning of the automated process.

This means they must be capable with the technology used in the process as well as taking on responsibility for the planning and monitoring of the system.

The technology they are working with will vary greatly depending on the type of manufacturing process they are working with, so could involve pumps, robotics, electrical systems, rotors, heating systems or piping systems.

They will need to know how to measure the functioning of the system, through the use of sensors and observation of data and to take decisions on how to improve or repair the automation process.

But as much as possible control will be handed to the system itself, with the engineer taking responsibility for design, upkeep and improvement, while the automation produces the goods.

Ultimately the goal of the Automation Engineer is to simplify the manufacturing process as much as possible, making it more efficient and as a result more cost effective.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
• Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilisation.
• Analyse statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
• Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
• Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
• Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
• Recommend methods for improving utilisation of personnel, material, and utilities.
• Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
• Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
• Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.

Further Information

• Automation Engineer - from: CIO

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.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

An undergraduate qualification in automation, process control, manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering is the best pathway into engineering. Postgraduate qualifications are available for those looking to further specialise in the field, they can also offer an entry route for those who have in a more general engineering degree.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Manufacturing, Engineering Operations, Engineering Technology, Cleanroom operations in centres around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, Engineering and Electronic Technology, Engineering Technology with Electronics, Pre-University Engineering, Engineering - Preliminary, Engineering Pre University, Engineering Technology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Principal Engineer NFQ level 10, Engineering programmes NFQ level 6-7, ICT Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Electronic or Mechanical engineering courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Course at NFQ level 9-10 in Multi Engineering discilines. 

Engineers Ireland To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited Level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience. A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available from Engineers Ireland.  

There are many specialist courses available reflecting the different areas of engineering, from, mechanical, electrical/electronic, aeronautical, chemical automotive, civil, structural, systems, to mechatronic control and engineering design.  

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €93k

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

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar / Excel Recruitment / Brightwater/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

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

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• Engineers Ireland

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

• International Society for Automation (ISA)

  • 67 T.W. Alexander Drive PO Box 12277 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  • (919) 549-8411
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here