📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer
Company: NNIT
Location: Limerick, Munster, Ireland
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: DevOps, Server Administration, Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-07-31
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead system architecture for both robotics and automation systems, driving strategic project decisions.
Provide technical support and troubleshooting for manufacturing and facilities, ensuring high-speed automation equipment performance.
Collaborate with customers, vendors, and stakeholders to design, consult, and implement projects related to corrective actions or equipment performance improvement.
Demonstrate strong PLC and HMI programming skills, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen Bradley automation systems.
Work closely with the validation department, supporting initial design reviews, software testing, and protocol reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a blend of technical expertise, strategic decision-making, and strong stakeholder management, making it ideal for an experienced systems engineer looking to drive complex automation projects in a GMP-regulated environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

System Architecture: Design and maintain system architecture for both robotics and automation systems, ensuring optimal performance and scalability.
Technical Support: Provide technical support and troubleshooting for manufacturing and facilities, addressing automation and software-related deviations and anomalies.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with customers, vendors, and stakeholders to design, consult, and implement projects related to corrective actions or equipment performance improvement.
PLC & HMI Programming: Program PLC and HMI applications for automated process equipment, demonstrating strong troubleshooting and instrumentation skills.
Modification & Change Control: Implement modification/change control procedures and protocols, ensuring minimal disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations.
Validation & Commissioning: Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and validation of high-speed automation equipment, ensuring compliance with GMP regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a broad range of technical skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, making it an excellent fit for a senior systems engineer with a strong background in automation and a proven track record in GMP-regulated environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A relevant engineering degree in Mechatronics, Electronics, or a related field.

Experience: At least 7 years of experience in PLC and Robotics, with a minimum of 3 years in a GMP-regulated environment (Pharma, Life Sciences, Biotech, or Medical Devices).

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in PLC and HMI systems, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen Bradley automation systems.
Strong system architecture experience in both robotics and automation systems.
Experience in GMP environments, with a solid understanding of GMP regulations and their impact on automation systems.
Proven knowledge and experience with SCADA, Control Systems, or Vision Systems (desirable).
Excellent vendor, OEM, and client management skills.
Proven experience in FAT, SAT, commissioning, and validation of high-speed automation equipment.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with other PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Beckhoff, or Omron).
Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, C++, or C#.
Knowledge of industrial networking protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Modbus, or Profinet).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience, with a strong focus on GMP-regulated environments. Candidates should have a solid understanding of automation systems, PLC programming, and stakeholder management to excel in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong portfolio of automation projects, highlighting your PLC and HMI programming skills.
Include case studies showcasing your system architecture experience, focusing on robotics and automation systems.
Highlight your experience in GMP-regulated environments, with examples of how you've ensured compliance with relevant regulations.
Showcase your ability to work with customers, vendors, and stakeholders, with examples of successful project collaborations.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed technical documentation for your automation projects, including system architecture diagrams, PLC and HMI code, and test results.
Include any relevant validation documentation, demonstrating your understanding of GMP regulations and their impact on automation systems.
Highlight your approach to modification and change control, with examples of how you've minimized disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio of automation projects, with a focus on system architecture, PLC programming, and GMP-regulated environments. Candidates should be prepared to provide detailed technical documentation and case studies demonstrating their technical expertise and experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per annum (based on industry standards for senior systems engineers with relevant experience in Ireland)

Benefits:

Competitive and rounded compensation package, rewarding high performers.
Supportive work environment committed to employee development and wellness.
Opportunities to work with global leaders in their field, helping to develop and improve upon industry-leading technology solutions.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on industry standards for senior systems engineers with relevant experience in Ireland. Candidates should research regional salary standards and cost of living to ensure the compensation package meets their expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: NNIT specializes in IT solutions for life sciences, focusing on high complexity industries with regulatory demands and complexity.

Company Size: NNIT employs over 1,800 people across Europe, Asia, and the USA, providing a large and diverse team for collaboration and growth opportunities.

Founded: NNIT was founded in 1990, with a strong history in IT solutions for life sciences and other high-complexity industries.

Team Structure:

The automation team consists of experienced engineers, focusing on robotics, automation systems, and PLC programming.
The team works closely with manufacturing and facilities, providing technical support and troubleshooting for automation and software-related issues.
The team collaborates with customers, vendors, and stakeholders to design, consult, and implement projects related to corrective actions or equipment performance improvement.

Development Methodology:

NNIT follows Agile methodologies for project management, with a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement.
The team uses version control systems, such as Git, to manage code and ensure collaboration and traceability.
NNIT emphasizes quality assurance, with a strong focus on testing, validation, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Company Website: NNIT

📝 Enhancement Note: NNIT's focus on high complexity industries and regulatory demands makes it an ideal fit for a senior systems engineer with experience in GMP-regulated environments. Candidates should research the company's history and industry focus to ensure a strong cultural fit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is suited to a senior systems engineer with at least 7 years of experience in PLC and Robotics, with a minimum of 3 years in a GMP-regulated environment. The role requires a strong understanding of system architecture, automation systems, and stakeholder management.

Reporting Structure: The senior systems engineer reports directly to the automation team lead, with a dotted line to the manufacturing and facilities management team. The role works closely with customers, vendors, and stakeholders to drive project success.

Technical Impact: The senior systems engineer has a significant impact on the performance and reliability of automation systems, ensuring minimal disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations. They also play a crucial role in driving strategic project decisions and collaborating with customers, vendors, and stakeholders.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in automation systems, PLC programming, and GMP-regulated environments, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and emerging technologies.
Leadership Growth: Develop your leadership skills, with opportunities to mentor junior team members and drive strategic project decisions.
Career Progression: Progress to a team lead or management role, driving the strategic direction of the automation team and collaborating with senior stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for a senior systems engineer looking to expand their technical expertise and leadership skills in a GMP-regulated environment. Candidates should research the company's career progression paths and growth opportunities to ensure a strong fit with their long-term career goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: NNIT's Limerick office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork. The office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and tools to support automation projects and GMP-regulated environments.

Office Location(s): Limerick, Munster, Ireland

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The office encourages cross-functional collaboration, with open-plan workspaces and dedicated meeting rooms for team discussions and project planning.
Specialized Workspaces: The office includes dedicated workspaces for PLC and HMI programming, with multiple monitors and testing devices available to support automation projects.
Flexible Working Hours: NNIT offers flexible working hours to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for employees.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: NNIT's Limerick office provides a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support automation projects and GMP-regulated environments. Candidates should research the office location and workspace context to ensure a strong fit with their preferences and workstyle.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to assess your technical background and experience with automation systems, PLC programming, and GMP-regulated environments.
Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on your system architecture experience, PLC and HMI programming skills, and understanding of GMP regulations. You may be asked to complete a hands-on exercise or case study demonstrating your technical expertise.
Behavioral Interview: A behavioral interview to assess your stakeholder management skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with NNIT. You may be asked to provide examples of how you've handled challenging situations in previous roles.
Final Interview: A final interview with senior stakeholders to discuss your career goals, growth opportunities, and fit with the automation team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your system architecture experience, with examples of how you've designed and maintained automation systems in GMP-regulated environments.
Include case studies demonstrating your PLC and HMI programming skills, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen Bradley automation systems.
Showcase your experience in GMP-regulated environments, with examples of how you've ensured compliance with relevant regulations and minimized disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations.
Include any relevant validation documentation, demonstrating your understanding of GMP regulations and their impact on automation systems.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your PLC and HMI programming skills, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen Bradley automation systems.
Review your system architecture experience, with a focus on robotics and automation systems in GMP-regulated environments.
Familiarize yourself with relevant GMP regulations and their impact on automation systems, ensuring you can discuss any potential challenges and solutions with confidence.

ATS Keywords: [PLC Programming, HMI Applications, Robotics, Automation Systems, System Architecture, SCADA, Control Systems, Vision Systems, GMP Experience, Vendor Management, Client Management, FAT, SAT, Commissioning, Validation, Senior Systems Engineer, Automation Engineer, GMP-Regulated Environments, Pharma, Life Sciences, Biotech, Medical Devices]

📝 Enhancement Note: NNIT's interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the automation team. Candidates should research the interview process and prepare accordingly to ensure a strong performance.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: (Not applicable for this role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

PLC Platforms: Rockwell/Allen Bradley (Primary), Siemens, Beckhoff, Omron (Secondary)
Programming Languages: Ladder Logic (LL), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Instruction List (IL)
HMI Software: Allen Bradley Studio 5000, Siemens WinCC, Beckhoff TwinCAT
SCADA Systems: Allen Bradley FactoryTalk, Siemens WinCC, Beckhoff TwinCAT
Database Systems: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version Control: Git, SVN
Project Management: Jira, Trello, Asana
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Azure DevOps
Monitoring Tools: Allen Bradley FactoryTalk, Siemens SIMATIC IT, Beckhoff TwinCAT
Industrial Networking Protocols: EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of PLC and HMI programming, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen Bradley automation systems. Candidates should research the technology stack and prepare accordingly to ensure a strong performance in the technical interview.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values: (Not applicable for this role)

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: NNIT encourages cross-functional collaboration between automation engineers, manufacturing and facilities teams, customers, vendors, and stakeholders.
Code Review Culture: NNIT emphasizes code review and peer programming practices to ensure high-quality PLC and HMI code and maintain a strong knowledge-sharing culture.
Knowledge Sharing: NNIT fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings, training sessions, and workshops to ensure continuous learning and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: NNIT's collaborative culture emphasizes cross-functional integration, code review, and knowledge sharing, making it an ideal fit for a senior systems engineer looking to work in a dynamic and supportive team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

System Architecture: Design and maintain system architecture for both robotics and automation systems, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and minimal disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations.
GMP-Regulated Environments: Ensure compliance with relevant GMP regulations, minimizing disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations and maintaining a strong understanding of the impact of automation systems on GMP processes.
Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with customers, vendors, and stakeholders, driving strategic project decisions and ensuring successful project delivery.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging automation technologies, identifying opportunities to incorporate new tools and techniques into your projects and driving continuous improvement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand your expertise in automation systems, PLC programming, and GMP-regulated environments, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and emerging technologies.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills, with opportunities to mentor junior team members and drive strategic project decisions.
Career Progression: Progress to a team lead or management role, driving the strategic direction of the automation team and collaborating with senior stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for a senior systems engineer looking to expand their expertise in automation systems, PLC programming, and GMP-regulated environments. Candidates should research the challenges and growth opportunities to ensure a strong fit with their long-term career goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System Architecture: Describe your approach to system architecture for robotics and automation systems, with a focus on performance, scalability, and minimal disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations.
PLC & HMI Programming: Demonstrate your proficiency in PLC and HML programming, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen Bradley automation systems. Be prepared to discuss any relevant projects or case studies showcasing your technical expertise.
GMP-Regulated Environments: Explain your understanding of GMP regulations and their impact on automation systems, with examples of how you've ensured compliance and minimized disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations.
Stakeholder Management: Describe your approach to stakeholder management, with examples of how you've driven strategic project decisions and ensured successful project delivery.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company History: Research NNIT's history and industry focus, demonstrating your understanding of the company's commitment to high complexity industries and regulatory demands.
Team Dynamics: Describe your preferred working style and how you've collaborated effectively with diverse teams in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you'll contribute to NNIT's collaborative culture.
Growth Opportunities: Discuss your long-term career goals and how you plan to leverage NNIT's growth opportunities to drive your professional development.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

System Architecture: Highlight your system architecture experience, with examples of how you've designed and maintained automation systems in GMP-regulated environments.
PLC & HMI Programming: Include case studies demonstrating your PLC and HMI programming skills, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen Bradley automation systems.
GMP-Regulated Environments: Showcase your experience in GMP-regulated environments, with examples of how you've ensured compliance with relevant regulations and minimized disruption to manufacturing and facilities operations.
Stakeholder Management: Include any relevant examples of how you've driven strategic project decisions and ensured successful project delivery, with a focus on your ability to work effectively with customers, vendors, and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: NNIT's interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the automation team. Candidates should research the interview process and prepare accordingly to ensure a strong performance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Systems Engineer position:

Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your system architecture experience, PLC and HMI programming skills, and experience in GMP-regulated environments. Include any relevant case studies or validation documentation demonstrating your technical expertise and understanding of GMP regulations.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on automation systems, PLC programming, and GMP-regulated environments. Include any relevant keywords to ensure your resume is easily searchable by NNIT's Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on your technical skills, with a focus on system architecture, PLC and HMI programming, and GMP-regulated environments. Research NNIT's technology stack and interview process to ensure you're well-prepared for the technical deep dive and behavioral interview.
Research NNIT: Familiarize yourself with NNIT's history, industry focus, and company culture. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process, demonstrating your interest in the role and commitment to NNIT's success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with NNIT before making application decisions.

Senior Systems Engineer