Automation and Control Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng is seeking an Automation and Control Engineer to optimize production with PLC/SCADA/HMI, integrating advanced control systems on-site. You will design, program, and troubleshoot to improve reliability, efficiency and safety in manufacturing processes.

The role demands a 5+ years in industrial automation, a relevant engineering degree, and hands-on experience with Siemens or Allen‑Bradley PLCs, Wonderware or Ignition SCADA, and industrial networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on industrial automation and control systems experience.
• Proficiency with major PLC vendors and SCADA/HMI development.
• Experience with industrial networks and process control principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, implement, and troubleshoot PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Develop and maintain control system logic for reliability.
• Integrate new automation tech into plant infrastructure.
• Diagnose control system issues and resolve promptly.
• Collaborate with production to identify automation opportunities.
• Create and update control narratives, P&IDs, and configurations.
• Ensure safety standards and regulatory compliance in automation projects.
• Support commissioning and start-up of equipment upgrades.
• Provide training and technical support to maintenance teams.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA development

HMI design

Industrial automation knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Wonderware

Ignition

Profinet / Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, is seeking a proficient Automation and Control Engineer to join their established team in **Benoni**, **Gauteng**. This role is essential for optimizing production processes through the implementation and maintenance of advanced automation and control systems. You will be involved in PLC programming, SCADA development, HMI design, and the integration of sophisticated control solutions to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety on the plant floor. This is an on-site position requiring hands-on expertise and a proactive approach to ensuring the smooth operation of automated manufacturing equipment. Your contributions will directly impact production output and operational excellence in **Benoni**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, implement, and troubleshoot PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for manufacturing processes.
• Develop and maintain control system logic, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Integrate new automation technologies and equipment into the existing plant infrastructure.
• Perform diagnostic analysis on control systems to identify and resolve issues promptly.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to identify opportunities for process improvement through automation.
• Develop and update technical documentation, including control narratives, P&IDs, and system configurations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards and industry regulations in automation projects.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new equipment and automation upgrades.
• Provide training and technical support to maintenance personnel on automation systems.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and propose innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming logic controllers (PLCs) from major vendors (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition) and HMI development.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Understanding of process control principles and instrumentation.
• Experience in the food and beverage or FMCG sector is a strong advantage.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in **Benoni**, **Gauteng**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package along with a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-related bonuses. The role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies. Employees benefit from ongoing training and development initiatives. Working in **Benoni**, **Gauteng**, you will be part of a stable and growing industry. The company fosters a strong culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career for an experienced Automation and Control Engineer.