Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation)

Job Title: Senior Automation Designer

Description:
We are hiring for our client, a growing specialist in bespoke automation and special-purpose machinery, to recruit a Senior Automation Designer. This Senior Automation Designer job is based in Virginia, Co. Cavan and offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-performance automation systems across sectors including med-tech, automotive, industrial automation, and food & beverage.

The successful Senior Automation Designer will play a key role in advancing engineering capability, leading design quality across projects, and supporting the development of a high-performing engineering team. This is a hands-on technical role with real scope to influence design standards and contribute to the delivery of innovative automation solutions.

Top 3 Things to Know About this Job:

1. Salary – €60,000 to €70,000 (DOE)
2. Technical Leadership Role – Influence design standards and mentor engineers
3. Complex Projects – Work on bespoke automation systems across multiple industries

The Role:

• Lead the technical design of bespoke automation systems, including full system integration
• Translate customer requirements into robust automation concepts and functional designs
• Oversee design reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards and best practices
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Support machine safety design, CE compliance, and technical documentation
• Monitor project timelines and ensure delivery against key milestones
• Engage with clients throughout design, build, FAT and SAT phases
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimisation when required
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

The Person:

• Degree in Automation, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering or similar (or equivalent experience)
• 7–10+ years’ experience in automation design within bespoke machinery or system integration
• Proven experience delivering complex automation projects from concept through commissioning
• Strong knowledge of robotics, motion control, vision systems, and material handling
• Understanding of machine safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061) and CE marking
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to design within project budgets
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capability

The Reward:

• €60,000 – €70,000 salary (depending on experience)
• Pension contribution
• Paid training and professional development
• Clear pathway into Technical Leadership or Design Management
• Exposure to complex, high-value automation projects
• Collaborative and hands-on engineering environment
• Paid travel expenses for site work
• Modern engineering and workshop facilities

Next Steps – Why Hunter Savage:

For further information and to apply for this Senior Automation Designer job, please contact Dominic Heron. Visit our website for a full list of Engineering & Manufacturing opportunities.

At Hunter Savage, we are a specialist recruitment consultancy with deep expertise across Engineering & Operations and other key sectors. We take a consultative, relationship-led approach, helping professionals secure roles that offer genuine long-term progression, while supporting employers in building high-performing teams.

Salary details are a guide and will depend on experience and expertise. We reserve the right to heighten shortlisting criteria depending on the calibre of response.