Associate – Automation Engineer

Defy; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Defy in Durban seeks an Automation Engineer to design, install, and maintain automated manufacturing systems that boost efficiency, quality, safety, and reliability. You will lead projects from concept through commissioning, integrating PLC, HMI, and SCADA, and collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

You’ll analyze process data, optimize performance, and ensure compliance with safety standards while traveling to Ladysmith as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering or Industrial Automation.
• 2–3 years of industrial automation experience is advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and control systems.
• Experience commissioning automated production equipment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willing to travel to Ladysmith.

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement platform projects from concept to implementation.
• Design, develop, program, and commission automated control systems.
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, drives, vision systems, and robotics into production processes.
• Support machine commissioning, startup, validation, and performance optimization.
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Advising on and reviewing manufacturing methods and plans for the project
• Develop automation specifications and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, contractors, and system integrators.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Develop project plans and ensure the project is executed within budget, resource, and time constraints
• Designs as required by the specific project, including the specification required and sourcing of the various components
• Ensure all work carried out complies with the correct standards in terms of accuracy and safety
• Responsible for review and quality of all project’s technical documentationManage and control Engineering changes on the project
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of new processes, technologies and equipment.
• Monitoring and analyzing process data, identifying trends and proposing solutions for process improvement continuously.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation systems

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering or Industrial Automation

Tools

Industrial instrumentation

Job description

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the role is to provide support to for designing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving automated manufacturing systems to enhance production efficiency, quality, safety, and reliability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To manage and implement platform projects from conceptual phase to implementation
• Design, develop, program, and commission automated control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs
• Integrate sensors, actuators, drives, vision systems, and robotics into production processes
• Support machine commissioning, startup, validation, and performance optimization.
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Advising on and reviewing manufacturing methods and plans for the project
• Develop automation specifications and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, contractors, and system integrators.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Develop project plans and ensure the project is executed within budget, resource, and time constraints
• Designs as required by the specific project, including the specification required and sourcing of the various components
• Ensure all work carried out complies with the correct standards in terms of accuracy and safety
• Responsible for review and quality of all project’s technical documentationManage and control Engineering changes on the project
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of new processes, technologies and equipment.
• Monitoring and analyzing process data, identifying trends and proposing solutions for process improvement continuously.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering /Industrial Automation
• 2‑ 3 year’s in industrial automation within a manufacturing environment is advantageous
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Project management proficiency
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation and control systems.
• Experience commissioning automated production equipment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to interact with internal and external parties
• Willing to travel to Ladysmith