Robotics and Automation Research Engineer

Who we are

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation providing a portfolio of operations research, training, and consultancy services to Industry across four thematic pillars: Digitisation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Design for Manufacturing, and Robotics and Automation. As a leading manufacturing Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with labs and industrial pilot lines in Dublin and Mullingar, IMR works with leading global and indigenous brands to demystify and derisk new and emerging technologies and to deliver high-impact collaborative research and services that enable advanced manufacturing for a broad range of clients across Ireland's manufacturing network.

What IMR offers

• An opportunity to contribute to the national economic growth agenda
• A competitive salary and pension
• A friendly and flexible working environment with state-of-the-art Innovation Centres
• Lots of diversity in terms of people, technology, projects and ideas
• The opportunity to join a dynamic and committed team
• Interaction with a diverse range of industrial clients and state partners
• 5 weeks holidays

The Robotics and Automation Team

The core of IMR's Robotics and Automation Team is to accelerate industry adoption of intelligent automation, combining applied research with hands-on industry demonstrations, pilot implementations, and technology translation. The team works closely with manufacturers to implement scalable robotic solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability across the manufacturing sector.

The Role

Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is seeking a Robotics and Automation Research Engineer to support the Robotics and Automation team at Researcher level on a 23-month contract basis. The successful candidate will support the team in developing and deploying advanced automation and robotics solutions as part of IMR's growing portfolio of national and EU research and innovation projects. They will be responsible for supporting the integration and validation of novel, flexible, and adaptable robotic systems and solutions, and will assist the project lead with contributing to applied research, experiments, and industry demonstrations. The role requires a proactive, hands-on approach to integrating multiple robotic systems to work effectively with humans and other machines. You must be motivated to contribute to research projects that deliver real-world impact for industrial partners and be capable of applying technical knowledge to novel environments and emerging challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of software control tools for robotic system integration, including grippers, vision systems, IO controls, and robotic manipulation tasks.
• Use ROS2 for programming and integrating robotic systems and Gazebo/Isaac Sim for simulation. MoveIt is preferred.
• Support simulation and modelling of robotic systems to validate designs and test automation workflows before deployment.
• Contribute to applied research projects, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of experimental results.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reliability, or efficiency, applying technical knowledge to novel challenges.
• Maintain technical documentation, including system designs, operational procedures, and research reports.
• Assist in developing, programming, and testing robotic and mechatronic assemblies, including PLC-based automation systems.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related engineering or scientific discipline is required.
• 1-2 years' experience working in research, preferably with some robotics and automation experience.
• Hands-on experience programming, operating, and controlling robotic and mechatronic assemblies.
• Technical communication and writing skills.
• A strong interest in industrial automation, robotics solutions, and applied research challenges.
• Hands-on experience with Python and C++.
• Experience with Ubuntu, ROS2, MoveIt and Nav2.
• Experience with GitHub and Docker.
• Experience with UR, Fanuc, and/or KUKA robotic systems.
• Experience with vision systems.
• Experience in industrial automation workflows and hardware-software integration.
• Prior experience supporting demonstrations or pilot deployments.

Location

Candidates will be required to be resident in Ireland. IMR offices are situated in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin and Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. This role will be based in our Mullingar office. We offer a hybrid working model with onsite presence in the office required at least one day per week. Travel between offices and client sites will be required from time to time.

Salary & Benefits

This position will command a package consisting of basic salary (€36,272 - €39,061 depending on qualifications and experience), employer pension contribution and 5 weeks holidays.

How to apply

All applicants must include an up-to-date version of their CV with their application. Electronic applications only to careers@imr.ie. Closing date for receipt of all applications is 12 noon Tuesday, 4th August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 24th August 2026.

IMR is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.