Senior Automation Engineer

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Profit sharing opportunities

Professional development & training

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to design, implement, and commission advanced automation systems for industrial clients in Upington, Northern Cape. The role includes PLC, SCADA, and HMI development, system architecture, and on-site commissioning with remote support.

The ideal candidate has a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree, 6+ years of hands-on automation experience, and proficiency with Siemens S7 and Rockwell platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years hands-on industrial automation experience.
• Expertise with PLCs from major vendors (Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Strong SCADA experience (Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC) and HMI development.
• Familiarity with Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP.
• Excellent understanding of control system design principles and safety standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.
• Willingness to travel to client sites; hybrid work capability.
• Must be based in or relocate to Upington, Northern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission industrial automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMIs.
• Lead automation projects from scoping and design to implementation and handover.
• Develop system architectures and select hardware/software components.
• Write and debug PLC code for Siemens and Rockwell platforms.
• Develop user-friendly HMI screens and configure SCADA for process control.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues on-site or remotely.
• Mentor junior automation engineers and ensure safety standards.

Skills

PLCs

SCADA

HMI development

Industrial networks

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Job description

About the Role

A leading automation solutions provider is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Automation Engineer to join their dynamic team in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is integral to designing, implementing, and commissioning advanced automation systems for industrial clients. The successful candidate will lead complex projects, from concept development and system architecture design to programming, testing, and client training. This position demands a deep understanding of PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial networks, along with excellent problem-solving and project management skills. You will play a key role in driving efficiency and innovation for our clients in the Upington region and beyond. Our client is committed to delivering state-of-the-art solutions and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission industrial automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMIs.


• Lead automation projects from initial scoping and design through to final implementation and handover.


• Develop system architectures and select appropriate hardware and software components.


• Write and debug PLC code for various platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).


• Develop user-friendly and efficient Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens.


• Configure and implement SCADA systems for process monitoring and control.


• Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues, both remotely and on-site.


• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation engineers.


• Ensure automation designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.


• Collaborate effectively with clients, project managers, and other engineering disciplines.


• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation.

Requirements

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


• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering.


• Proven expertise in programming logic controllers (PLCs) from major vendors (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix).


• Strong experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC) and HMI development.


• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP).


• Excellent understanding of control system design principles and safety standards.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Effective project management and organizational abilities.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients.


• Willingness to travel to client sites as required and ability to work in a Hybrid capacity.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Upington, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package that rewards expertise and experience.


• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid coverage, a retirement annuity, and opportunities for profit sharing.


• Continuous professional development is encouraged through advanced training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences.


• This role provides a Hybrid work environment, offering flexibility.