Automation Engineer

Who We Are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the company'). The Company's operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).

The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Automation Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence through the design, implementation, and optimization of automated production systems. This role is critical in improving efficiency, product quality, reliability, and cost performance across our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have expertise in PLC programming, robotics, industrial controls, and smart manufacturing technologies, with experience supporting high-volume production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement automation solutions, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and industrial controls.

Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve throughput.

Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related equipment and system issues to minimize production disruptions.

Program, configure, calibrate, and maintain PLCs, sensors, servo drives, and automation equipment.

Support the integration of IoT, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing technologies to enhance process monitoring and control.

Lead automation improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, safety, and cost reduction.

Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams to support operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

Manage automation upgrades, equipment commissioning, and vendor coordination activities.

Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system specifications, maintenance procedures, and validation protocols.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

3-7 years of automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within plastics packaging or plastics processing operations.

Hands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Siemens and Allen-Bradley, along with HMI, SCADA, and industrial networking systems.

Experience designing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing systems, including robotics and machine vision technology.

Knowledge of plastics processing technologies such as extrusion, injection molding, or thermoforming.

Familiarity with IoT-enabled systems, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing solutions.

Working knowledge of machine safety standards, ISO requirements, and regulatory compliance.

Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies is preferred.

Strong problem-solving, analytical, project management, and communication skills.

Relevant certifications in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, or control systems are a plus.

If you have the above experience and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, apply today to find out more!