Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement provisions

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, seeks a Senior Automation Controls Engineer to design, implement, and maintain advanced PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotics systems for our manufacturing operations.

You will lead projects, troubleshoot, and collaborate with mechanical and production teams to optimise uptime and efficiency; familiarity with IEC safety standards is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for various industrial processes.
• Develop user-friendly HMI screens and SCADA systems.
• Integrate and troubleshoot robotic systems for automated manufacturing lines.
• Specify and select automation hardware, including sensors, actuators, drives, and control components.
• Perform root cause analysis on automation system failures and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, production teams, and other stakeholders to ensure optimal system performance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including control system architecture, programming code, and operational manuals.
• Implement and manage industrial network communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus).
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and recommend upgrades or new solutions.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics integration

Industrial networking

C++ programming

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Mechatronics

Tools

Wonderware

Ignition

WinCC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the manufacturing and process industries, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automation Controls Engineer to join their operations in Welkom, Free State . This role is critical for designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated automation and control systems that drive efficiency and productivity. You will be responsible for PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, and robotics integration, ensuring seamless operation of complex industrial machinery. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial automation principles, exceptional troubleshooting skills, and a proactive approach to process improvement. This is a key position that significantly impacts operational excellence within our client's facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for various industrial processes.


• Develop user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.


• Integrate and troubleshoot robotic systems for automated manufacturing lines.


• Specify and select automation hardware, including sensors, actuators, drives, and control components.


• Perform root cause analysis on automation system failures and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.


• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, production teams, and other stakeholders to ensure optimal system performance.


• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including control system architecture, programming code, and operational manuals.


• Implement and manage industrial network communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus).


• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and recommend upgrades or new solutions.


• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.


• Proficiency in programming multiple PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi).


• Experience with HMI/SCADA software packages (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC).


• Strong understanding of industrial networking, robotics, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).


• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings.


• Effective communication and teamwork skills.


• Experience with C++ or other higher-level programming languages is a plus.


• Knowledge of safety standards for industrial automation (e.g., IEC 61508).

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package tailored to the candidate's experience and qualifications, along with comprehensive health benefits and retirement provisions. Opportunities for professional growth through advanced training programs, certifications, and exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies are readily available. The hybrid work model provides a balance between focused work and collaborative engagement within our facility in Welkom, Free State . Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, offering a rewarding career path in a dynamic industry.