Automation and Control Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Coastal Mossel Bay location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automation and Control Engineer to join its Mossel Bay team. You will design, implement, and maintain PLC-based control systems, HMI/SCADA, and robotic integrations to improve production efficiency and quality.

Close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and R&D staff is essential. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechatronics engineering, 5+ years in automation, and hands-on experience with Siemens S7, Rockwell, and modern HMI tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive automation and control systems experience.
• Proficiency in PLC platforms (Siemens S7, Rockwell) and HMI software (FactoryTalk View, WinCC).
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (Profinet, EtherNet/IP) and robot programming (FANUC, KUKA, ABB).
• Strong mechanical and electrical integration knowledge.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Develop and implement HMI/SCADA solutions for operator interface, data acquisition, and system monitoring.
• Integrate and configure industrial robots to operate on automated lines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Optimize existing automation systems to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers on new machinery and lines.
• Conduct root cause analysis for system failures and implement preventive measures.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation including diagrams and manuals.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operators.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics

Process optimization

Control systems engineering

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix

FactoryTalk View

WinCC

Profinet

EtherNet/IP

FANUC

KUKA

ABB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in the manufacturing automation space, is seeking a talented Automation and Control Engineer to join their innovative team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced control systems and automation solutions that enhance production efficiency and product quality. You will work on a variety of challenging projects, applying your expertise in PLC programming, robotics, HMI development, and process optimization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in control engineering coupled with practical, hands-on experience. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, production staff, and R&D, to deliver robust and cutting-edge automation solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the modernization of industrial processes in a thriving coastal region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Develop and implement HMI/SCADA solutions for operator interface, data acquisition, and system monitoring.
• Integrate and configure industrial robots, ensuring smooth and efficient operation within automated lines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and control system issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.
• Optimize existing automation systems to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams on the design and implementation of new automated machinery and production lines.
• Conduct root cause analysis for system failures and implement preventative measures.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including logic diagrams, electrical schematics, and user manuals.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance teams and production operators.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix) and HMI software (e.g., FactoryTalk View, WinCC).
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP) and robot programming (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB).
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems integration.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a comprehensive medical plan, pension fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• This role in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay provides a unique opportunity to work on advanced automation projects while enjoying a high quality of life.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and provide excellent opportunities for professional development and training.
• Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and the chance to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and sustainability.