Automation and Controls Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Career development

On-site role in Benoni

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks an Automation and Controls Engineer with a strong PLC/HMI/SCADA background. Based in Benoni, you will design, implement, and optimize automated control systems across production processes.

You will work with electrical hardware, instrumentation, and safety standards, collaborating with process engineers and operations teams to deliver efficient, reliable automation and provide training to staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Minimum 4 years in automation and controls engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with VFDs and motor control.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC logic for industrial systems.
• Design and implement HMI screens and SCADA systems.
• Integrate new automation equipment into plant infrastructure.
• Electrical design for control panels, components, schematics.
• Specify instrumentation, sensors, and actuators for process control.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operations teams.
• Ensure projects meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation of control system designs and configs.
• Provide training to maintenance staff and operators.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Electrical hardware

Instrumentation

VFDs

P&ID reading

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading process manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Automation and Controls Engineer to join their team in Benoni, Gauteng. This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and optimization of automated control systems across various production processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, and a solid understanding of electrical hardware and instrumentation. You will play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, improving product quality, and ensuring the safe and reliable functioning of automated manufacturing equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC logic for various industrial automation systems.
• Design and implement Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Integrate new automation equipment and systems into existing plant infrastructure.
• Perform electrical design for control panels, including component selection and schematic generation.
• Specify and select instrumentation, sensors, and actuators for process control applications.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operations teams to understand automation needs and develop solutions.
• Ensure all automation projects adhere to safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of control system designs, programs, and configurations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance staff and operators on automated systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in automation and controls engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, control panel design, and industrial instrumentation.
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Experience in a process manufacturing environment is advantageous.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in automation technologies.
• Exposure to diverse and innovative manufacturing processes in Benoni, Gauteng.
• A challenging role with significant impact on operational efficiency.
• Supportive team environment and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Potential for career progression within the organization.