Advanced Systems Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company-m

Professional development and certs

Access to advanced tools and simulatio

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Advanced Systems Maintenance Engineer to remotely manage, troubleshoot, and optimize complex automation systems from Richards Bay. The role emphasizes analytical problem-solving, independent work, and collaboration with R&D and field teams to ensure system reliability and performance.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in automation maintenance, strong PLC/HMI/SCADA experience, and the ability to read schematics and documentation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of maintenance, troubleshooting, and support of advanced automation systems.
• Proven expertise with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs, and industrial networking protocols.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to diagnostics.
• Excellent remote communication skills, including video conferencing and collaboration software.
• Ability to interpret complex schematics, technical drawings, and system documentation.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for on-site support.

Responsibilities

• Perform remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance on advanced industrial control systems, PLCs, SCADA, and related hardware.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance strategies to minimize system downtime and ensure optimal performance.
• Analyze system performance data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement.
• Provide expert technical support and guidance to clients and field service teams, both virtually and on-site when necessary.
• Manage and maintain accurate documentation of all system configurations, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting logs.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on system upgrades, modifications, and new product implementations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and client-specific requirements.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation and control system technologies.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance processes and best practices.
• Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet service level agreements and client expectations.

Skills

Remote diagnostics

PLC expertise

HMI/SCADA

VFDs

Analytical thinking

Remote communication

Schematic reading

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial process control and automation, is seeking an exceptionally skilled Advanced Systems Maintenance Engineer to join their dedicated team. This critical role focuses on the upkeep, troubleshooting, and optimization of complex, cutting-edge systems that drive client operations. While the position is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , we are offering a fully remote work arrangement, emphasizing trust and advanced digital collaboration tools. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and longevity of sophisticated machinery and software platforms. This opportunity is ideal for a highly analytical and self-driven engineer who excels in problem-solving and maintaining critical infrastructure from a distance. Your expertise will be paramount in supporting our clients' demanding production environments. The role requires a deep technical understanding and the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. We are committed to providing a supportive remote work environment that fosters innovation and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance on advanced industrial control systems, PLCs, SCADA, and related hardware.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance strategies to minimize system downtime and ensure optimal performance.
• Analyze system performance data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement.
• Provide expert technical support and guidance to clients and field service teams, both virtually and on-site when necessary.
• Manage and maintain accurate documentation of all system configurations, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting logs.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams on system upgrades, modifications, and new product implementations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and client-specific requirements.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation and control system technologies.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance processes and best practices.
• Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet service level agreements and client expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, and support of advanced industrial automation systems.
• Proven expertise with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, and industrial networking protocols.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to diagnostics.
• Excellent remote communication skills, including proficiency with video conferencing and collaborative software.
• Ability to interpret complex schematics, technical drawings, and system documentation.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of work quality and safety.
• Experience with predictive maintenance techniques is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for critical on-site support if required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Access to advanced simulation and diagnostic tools.
• A culture that promotes innovation and continuous learning.
• Flexible remote work environment.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.