Automation Engineer

Job Description

Automation Engineer – Newtownards

Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.

With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.

The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.

Applications are invited for the position of Automation Engineer that will be based at our Newtownards site.

The Role

Reporting directly to our Automation Manager, the successful applicant will create, develop, and commission all aspects of our site Automation systems. Forming part of our new site automation team, the successful applicant will focus on resolving operational issues, delivering on capital and small projects, and work with key delivery partners to ensure the successful deployment and integration of equipment and processes on our Newtownards site.

This hands-on, rewarding opportunity will have key responsibilities including (not limited to):

1. Create, develop, and commission all aspects of site automation systems—Hardware, PLC code, SCADA, and Databases consistent with best practice industry standards.
2. Manage full Automation project lifecycles from URS creation to commissioning and handover.
3. Provide operational support to the Engineering teams and Automation Technician with escalated issues arising from unplanned and planned downtime.
4. Maintain accurate version control and associated documentation. Creation and maintenance of site software libraries.
5. Work within a multi-discipline team ensuring optimized response and standard approach to problem solving.
6. Ensure and maintain adherence to engineering standards for self and team for the achievement and ongoing compliance of any relevant customer standards and quality certifications.

The Person

Our team is seeking a driven individual from within the food manufacturing or FMCG sector that possesses a recognised time-served Level 3 Mechatronic apprenticeship (or electrical engineering equivalent), substantial experience of writing, developing, and commissioning capital automation projects, and who has managed on-site contractors.

In addition, our new Automation Engineer will have experience of Siemens platforms, SCADA development, fieldbus systems, and fault diagnosis on complex machinery.

A third-level qualification in electrical engineering, software development, or completion of a specialised industrial control course would be advantageous.

If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume, and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Application Process: To apply or for further information, please send a copy of your CV by email to Glen (). Closing date is midday on Monday 24th February.

*** Please note shortlisted applicants will be required to take an onsite technical assessment as part of the selection process. ***

Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at .

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