The roles themselves span a wide range, from early career professionals to highly experienced specialists. The most common titles we see across the Irish market include:

• Process Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Senior Process Engineer
• Senior Manufacturing Engineer
• Process Development Engineer
• Senior Process Development Engineer
• Production Engineer

The demand is not just for entry-level engineers but increasingly for senior professionals with deep expertise in validation, compliance, and process optimisation. Process Engineers with extensive automation expertise have a distinct edge.

In terms of skills, the Irish Process Engineering community is characterised by both breadth and depth. Core engineering capabilities such as process simulation, validation, and continuous improvement are widespread, while industry-critical knowledge, especially Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and cGMP manufacturing, is particularly valuable in pharma and MedTech. Efficiency-focused methods like Lean Six Sigma continue to shape the way organisations approach process optimisation, and digital design tools such as AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, and computer simulation are now considered fundamental to the role. Notably, validation and automation skills, particularly within highly regulated manufacturing, remain in high demand and short supply.

The industries employing Process Engineers are diverse but tightly interlinked. Medical equipment manufacturing is one of the largest employers, reflecting Ireland’s reputation as a global MedTech hub. Pharmaceutical manufacturing remains a cornerstone, with significant investment in large-scale facilities, while semiconductor manufacturing and biotechnology research are fast-growing areas where the demand for process expertise continues to accelerate. This overlap in demand across sectors means that companies are often competing directly with one another for the same scarce professionals.

"In my experience, less than one in five of the process engineers we engage with are actively on the market at any given time. That means over 80% of this scarce talent pool is already committed, making it critical for employers to have both a compelling value proposition and a proactive approach if they want to secure the best people." - Gavin Moran

For hiring managers, this competitive environment requires more than a conventional recruitment approach. Engineers today tend to evaluate opportunities based on salary and benefits, potential for career development, exposure to cutting-edge projects, and the reputation of the organisation itself. Speed in the hiring process has also become critical, as talented candidates are often in consideration for multiple opportunities at once. Employers who can act decisively and offer clear pathways for progression are best placed to succeed.

5 Tips for Hiring Process Engineers in Ireland

Drawing on our experience in the market, here are five practical steps employers can take to improve their chances of hiring success:

1. Build a compelling employer brand – Engineers are drawn to organisations that demonstrate innovation, stability, and investment in their people. Highlight the projects, culture, and career paths that set your company apart.
2. Streamline the recruitment process – Lengthy hiring timelines can cost you top talent. Clear decision-making and efficient processes make a real difference.
3. Invest in development opportunities – Offering support for training in Lean Six Sigma, automation, or digital manufacturing tools is a strong differentiator for ambitious engineers.
4. Look beyond traditional pipelines – The best candidates are often not actively looking. Proactive engagement and tapping into passive talent pools is essential. Employee Referral programs can be a great source of talent.
5. Leverage market intelligence – Understanding where talent is located, which skills are emerging, and where competition is fiercest allows for smarter and more targeted hiring strategies. Show up as a thought leader.

At HERO, we see firsthand how Ireland’s leading organisations are navigating the challenges around finding top engineering talent. Our partnerships include some of the most innovative companies in the world, including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, TE Connectivity, Cook Medical, Beckman Coulter and beyond. These organisations recognise the importance of combining strong employer branding with a data-informed recruitment strategy to secure the talent they need, and we are privileged to work with them as their talent partner.

📩 For a full audit report on Ireland’s process engineering talent pool, including detailed regional analysis, skills distribution, and competitor insights, contact Gavin Moran, connect@hero.ie, 0874108620  at HERO Recruitment or checkout our latest Process Engineering job opportunities: HERO Jobs