AI/Robotics Engineer (Test & Validation)
Job Description
Research Engineer (AI & Robotics) The Intelligent Mechatronics and RFID (IMaR) Research Centre is a multidisciplinary engineering research centre within Munster Technological University (MTU). Working in partnership with industry, IMaR develops, integrates and validates engineering solutions across robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, digital engineering and advanced manufacturing. Through national and European programmes, IMaR provides applied research, technical validation and access to advanced experimentation facilities. IMaR hosts the AgriTech Ireland Cluster, which facilitates collaboration between industry, academia and government to accelerate innovation and competitiveness within Irelands AgriTech sector. IMaR is also the Irish Node of AgrifoodTEF, a flagship Digital Europe programme, and a partner in Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, creating a unique environment combining engineering, research and industry collaboration. Position: MTU is seeking an experienced engineer to join the IMaR Research Centre and support the delivery of AgrifoodTEF, one of Europes flagship initiatives helping AgriTech and Agrifood SMEs accelerate the development and commercialisation of AI, robotics and digital technologies. Co-funded by the European Unions Digital Europe Programme and Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, the role combines engineering, applied research and direct industry engagement. The successful candidate will plan and deliver testing, validation and experimentation activities that reduce technical risk and generate objective performance evidence. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the role will support the validation of AI-enabled software, robotics, automation, sensors and digital systems across livestock, arable and food-processing applications. Working closely with company owners, management and technical teams, the successful candidate will identify technical challenges, define validation requirements and deliver services within MTUs experimentation facilities and industrial environments. The role will also contribute to applied research through Lero, developing improved validation methodologies, experimentation workflows and data-centric engineering approaches that strengthen AgrifoodTEF services and future digital innovation programmes. Responsibilities Design and deliver technical testing, validation and experimentation services for AgriTech and Agrifood SMEs developing AI, robotics and digital technologies. Work directly with collaborating SMEs to define technical challenges and validation requirements. Develop validation methodologies, test plans and performance evaluation procedures. Collect and analyse technical data, evaluate AI models and benchmark system performance. Prepare technical reports, validation summaries and engineering recommendations. Contribute to applied research, publications and continuous improvement of AgrifoodTEF services. Qualifications and Experience Essential Honours Degree (Level 8 or higher) in Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline. Minimum of three years industry or applied engineering experience in developing, integrating or validating AI, robotics or digital technologies. Experience in technical testing, validation or experimentation within an industrial or applied engineering environment. Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. Full driving licence and access to own transport for travel to industry partner sites. Desirable Experience working directly with SMEs or industrial clients. Experience with AI, robotics, automation, Industrial IoT or digital systems. Experience in applied research or innovation projects. Knowledge of the AgriTech or Agrifood sector. Personal Attributes Self-motivated, practical and industry focused. Strong team player with excellent communication skills. Passion for emerging technologies, applied research and innovation. Duration of Contract:This position is initially for a fixed-term 15-month contract. Salary:An attractive salary on the IUA Research Fellow scale will apply to this post, dependent on the candidates experience and qualifications. Application Procedure:All applications must be made online. Location:The role will be based at MTUs Kerry Campus and will include occasional travel to industry partner sites, depending on project requirements. Informal Enquiries:Informal enquiries may be addressed to Mr. Kieran ODonoghue atkieran.odon Funding:This project has received co-funding from the European Union's Digital Europe Programme under grant agreement N and LERO, the Research Ireland Centre for Software under project no. SOWP2PP5092. Citizenship Requirement: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, United Kingdom along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply. It is an offence under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 for both an employer and an employee if a non-EEA National is in employment without an appropriate employment permit. Employment permit holders can only work for the employer named on the permit. Closing date for applications is 1.00pm Monday 24th August 2026 Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. The Human Resources Office, Munster Technological University, Tralee, Co Kerry MTU is an Equal Opportunities Employer Skills: experience in AI knowledge of AgriTech sector experience in technical testing TPBN1_IJ