Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   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.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Working Life

Engineers in this field work to ensure a product or service provides the highest level of quality to meet customer expectations.

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for:

• Putting systems in place to measure an organisation's performance
• Reporting on findings
• Liaising with managers and staff
• Coordinating procedures to address any deficiencies.

Quality or quality assurance engineers ensure that the different products leaving manufacturing and development agencies, companies or organisations are fully operational, effective and free from defects.

The main duties of a QA engineer are - verifying the quality and performance of products, in addition to troubleshooting the rectification of any existing errors or defects.

The quality control engineer is responsible for analysing the product under various working conditions and confirming that it delivers its promise. Depending on the nature of the product being tested, quality engineers may work in different settings. Being specialists, they use a product not just the way it is recommended but also in ways not intended helping them understand the common problems that users may encounter while using a product.

A quality engineer has a technical/engineering background which enbles them to handle day-to-day issues with product quality. The role is mainly associated with manufacturing plants where they design, install, and evaluate quality process-sampling systems, procedures, and statistical techniques, but QA Engineers work in a diverse range of industries including software or web development.

The work of a QA Engineer involves designing or specifying inspection and testing mechanisms and equipment; analysing production and service limitations and standards and recommending revision of specifications when indicated. In addition they formulate or help formulate quality policies and procedures as well as conducting training on quality concepts and tools; they interface with all other engineering components within the company and with customers and suppliers on quality related issues.

Typical work activities include:

• Developing and implementing quality management systems in manufacturing industries
• Analysing, identifying and implementing manufacturing and/or business process improvements which will improve capability and performance
• Creating and maintaining company documentation, such as quality manuals, and quality procedures
• Troubleshooting problems or flaws in products/items provided for testing
• Maintaining and controlling calibration records for all test and inspection equipment
• Applying good manufacturing practice and observing that it is being adhered to
• Performing tests and measurements using existing measurement equipment
• Contributing to necessary improvements and changes to all process related issues in the production department

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Collect and analyse production samples to evaluate quality.
• Analyse quality control test results and provide feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
• Stop production if serious product defects are present.
• Monitor performance of quality control systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Communicate quality control information to all relevant organisational departments, outside vendors, or contractors.
• Instruct staff in quality control and analytical procedures.
• Produce reports regarding nonconformance of products or processes, daily production quality, root cause analyses, or quality trends.
• Participate in the development of product specifications.
• Review statistical studies, technological advances, or regulatory standards and trends to stay abreast of issues in the field of quality control.
• Identify critical points in the manufacturing process and specify sampling procedures to be used at these points.

Further Information

• Engineer, quality- from: GradIreland
• Quality Engineer- from: Grad 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.

 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.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Process & quality manufacturing engineers have typically completed an appropriate engineering degree, generally at honours level. A master’s qualification (Meng) may also be required.

Manufacturing engineers come from a wide variety of engineering backgrounds, including electrical and electronic, mechanical, chemical, telecommunications and aeronautical engineering. There are many pathways to building up skills & qualifications to progress towards a career in engineering.

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: engineering technology, engineering operations, manufacturing technician, maintenance skills technology, quality management, quality assurance, pharmaceutical manufacturing.

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: engineering, pre apprenticeship.

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: Manufacturing, Engineer.

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, general entry, mechanical, manufacturing, automation engineering, chemical, biochemical, manufacturing engineering design, sustainable energy, environmental engineering.

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, process instrumentation, automation, mechanical, manufacturing process, automation systems, process energy, transport engineering, research, process validation, regulatory affairs, design and innovation, design thinking management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Springboard courses engineering, management search Springboard 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.

• Engineering Skillnet
• Engineers Ireland

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)* €40k - €80k

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

Data Source(s):
Osborne/ Sigmar / Brightwater / Clark/ CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Azon/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

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

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Design and development engineers; Production and process engineers; Quality control and planning engineers; Quality assurance and regulatory professionals; Environmental health professionals.

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

Employment grew strongly for this occupation between 2018 and 2021, although employment remained unchanged in the most recent time period. Almost three quarters were employed in industry. Despite the static employment levels in 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of employment permits issued between 2021 and 2022 (by 1,100), with the industrial sector accounting for half of the increase. Roles for which permits were issued included quality, process, and design engineers.

This occupation had the highest number of mentions of vacancies that were difficult to fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey, especially for quality control/assurance, compliance/regulatory and process engineering roles. Employers (through Skills for Growth and/or Spotlight on Skills) have cited roles in design engineering (with specific industry knowledge), quality control and production engineers as being difficult to fill. Demand continues to be strong for this occupation despite static employment levels and issues with recruiting suitably qualified/experienced candidates for these roles are likely to persist. 

• Engineers Ireland

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