Industrial Automation Engineer - PLC Specialist

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical and retirement benefits

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Impact on production efficiency

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer (PLC) in Randburg, Gauteng. You will design, program, and test PLCs, develop HMI screens, troubleshoot automation issues, and optimize production lines in a hybrid on-site/remote role.

Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams, maintain system documentation, ensure safety standards, and support maintenance staff. Requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics and 7+ years in industrial automation; strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 7+ years in progressive industrial automation engineering experience.
• Strong PLC programming and HMI/SCADA capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and test PLC logic for automation systems.
• Develop and configure HMI screens for operator control and monitoring.
• Troubleshoot PLC systems and automation equipment.
• Collaborate with mechanical/electrical teams throughout projects.
• Maintain documentation for automation systems and safety compliance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Troubleshooting

Industrial networks

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics

Computer Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Mitsubishi

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading manufacturer in the automated goods production sector, is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer with a specialization in PLC programming to join their innovative team in **Randburg, Gauteng**. This role is pivotal in designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining automated control systems that drive their production lines. You will be responsible for programming PLCs, designing HMI interfaces, troubleshooting automation issues, and optimizing system performance to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime. This is a challenging and rewarding position that requires deep technical expertise in automation technologies and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a dynamic manufacturing environment. The role adopts a hybrid working model, blending on-site engineering tasks with remote system monitoring and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and test PLC logic for new and existing automated machinery and production lines.
• Develop and configure Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens for operator control and monitoring.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with PLC systems, automation equipment, and electrical controls.
• Implement modifications and upgrades to existing automation systems to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams throughout the design and implementation phases of automation projects.
• Perform system integration and commissioning activities for new equipment installations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for automation systems, including programming code, P&IDs, and operational manuals.
• Ensure automation systems comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance staff and operators on automation systems.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation and propose improvements.
• Optimize automation processes for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in **Randburg**.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Extensive experience programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Mitsubishi).
• Proficiency in HMI/SCADA software development and configuration.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Knowledge of industrial robotics and servo systems is a significant advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and work independently in a hybrid capacity.
• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment is essential.

Benefits

• Annual salary of R , reflecting the senior level of the role.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge automation technologies in **Gauteng**.
• Be part of a highly innovative and growth-oriented company.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Performance-related bonuses.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Significant impact on production efficiency and future-proofing operations.