Automation Equipment Engineer
AIR Sligo, part of the global AIR Group, is seeking a driven and technically capable engineer to join our team in the role of Automation Equipment Engineer. AIR Sligo has been providing custom-designed automation solutions to leading manufacturing companies globally since 2005 and has a proven track record of delivering innovative and flexible solutions.
The successful candidate will play a key role in the final stages of machine delivery, taking ownership of commissioning activities and acting as the central technical interface across internal teams. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging and varied automation projects within a highly collaborative engineering environment.
A core function of this role is the structured conversion of issues into tasks. An issue is defined as a problem that is not yet fully understood — something occurring on a machine or within a project that lacks a clear cause or resolution path. The Automation Equipment Engineer is responsible for analysing and defining these issues to the point where they can be registered as structured, actionable tasks with a clear scope, owner, and path to resolution. This discipline of transforming ambiguity into defined action is central to how this role drives project progress.
The Automation Equipment Engineer will report to the Automation Equipment Engineer lead.
Key Responsibilities
- Take technical ownership of machines during the late assembly, and post power-up phases, ensuring all systems are fully functional prior to delivery
- Act as the primary interface between the assembly, electrical, software, and engineering/design teams to centralise technical communication and drive issue resolution
- Act as the primary technical interface to the customer post powerup with responsibility for maintaining issues lists, interfacing with the customer, and assisting the project manager with customer comms. The equipment engineer also has responsibility for the on-time delivery of this project phase, with support from the project manager, build teams, operations director and wider AIR Sligo team.
- Systematically convert unresolved issues into clearly defined, actionable tasks — ensuring that nothing remains as an open-ended problem without an assigned owner and resolution path
- Identify, register, and manage all outstanding items, snag lists, and technical issues through to closure
- Coordinate cross-functional activities during the commissioning phase to ensure project milestones are met
- Engage early in the project lifecycle to develop a thorough understanding of the machine design and technical requirements
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities, including travel to customer sites where required
- Ensure all technical changes and modifications are properly documented and communicated to relevant teams
- Work collaboratively with the Engineering and Design team to resolve technical challenges efficiently
- Report to and provide regular updates to the Automation Equipment Engineer Lead on project status and technical matters
Key Requirements
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant engineering discipline
- Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in an automation or machine building environment
- Strong technical understanding across mechanical, electrical, and/or software systems in the context of automated machinery
- Excellent analytical and problem-structuring skills — with a proven ability to investigate unknown issues and define clear paths to resolution
- Excellent communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities, track issues, and drive resolution in a fast-paced project environment
- Hands-on and solutions-focused approach with a strong attention to detail
- Experience with 3D CAD or technical documentation tools is an advantage
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
- Previous experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is advantageous
Salary and Benefits
- Attractive Salary Package
- Pension Scheme
- Training and Development
About AIR
AIR is a modern, global manufacturing automation company, newly formed but built on decades of experience from its established business units. We combine deep industry expertise with a dynamic, forward-looking approach to deliver innovative, reliable automation solutions. We operate across six key sites located in the USA, UK, and Ireland, serving customers worldwide with a unified commitment to quality, speed, and technical excellence.
Today, AIR operates as a fully integrated global organisation, partnering with customers to help bring their products to life and scale their operations. Our mission is to empower innovation, scalability, and long-term support by combining the engineering excellence of our people with the operational capabilities of our global facilities.
This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. AIR is an Equal Opportunities Employer.