Automation and Controls Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career growth opportunities

Hybrid role in East London

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape, seeks an Automation and Controls Engineer to design, implement and optimize automated systems across manufacturing operations. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA, ensuring safe, efficient integration and continuous improvement through collaboration with mechanical engineering, production and quality teams.

This hybrid role offers exposure to cutting‑edge automation technologies in a vibrant industrial hub, with a focus on safety standards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Experience with PLC programming and HMI/SCADA software.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Specify and select automation hardware including sensors and drives.
• Develop and implement control strategies to optimize performance.
• Create automation project documentation and network diagrams.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams for project success.
• Conduct FAT and SAT for automated systems.
• Provide technical support and training on automation systems.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics integration

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Hybrid work adaptation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell RSLogix/Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a proactive Automation and Controls Engineer to join their innovative team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is central to designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems that enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety across their manufacturing operations. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and robotics, ensuring seamless integration and performance. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in industrial automation, excellent programming skills, and a passion for continuous improvement. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technology and drive significant advancements in a key manufacturing hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for automated manufacturing processes.
• Specify and select appropriate automation hardware, including sensors, actuators, drives, and robots.
• Develop and implement control strategies to optimize machine and process performance.
• Create and maintain automation project documentation, including control logic, network diagrams, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (mechanical engineering, production, quality) to ensure successful project implementation.
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for automated systems.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel on automation systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation‑related issues during commissioning and ongoing operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging automation technologies and best practices.
• Ensure all automation designs comply with safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell RSLogix/Studio 5000).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View, Ignition).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Knowledge of robotics programming and integration is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on‑site development with remote planning and documentation.
• Familiarity with safety standards for industrial automation (e.g., ISO 13849).

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for professional growth and development. You will work on state‑of‑the‑art automation projects, contributing directly to manufacturing excellence. This hybrid role offers flexibility in managing your work responsibilities within the vibrant industrial landscape of East London, Eastern Cape .