Automation Controls Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Stimulating work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer in Durban to design, program, and commission PLC-based systems for manufacturing processes. You will develop HMIs/SCADA, integrate sensors and actuators, and perform root-cause analysis while collaborating with engineering and production teams.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and support for commissioning of new equipment in a hybrid work setting based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3-5 years in industrial automation and controls.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text) and HMI.
• Experience with Profibus, Ethernet/IP or Modbus networks.
• Ability to read complex electrical schematics and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) for automated machinery.
• Develop and configure HMIs and SCADA systems.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and components into automated control systems.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for control issues.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including schematics and logic.
• Implement and enforce safety standards across automation projects.
• Support commissioning of new equipment and systems.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networks

Electrical schematics

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

SCADA software

Ethernet/IP / Modbus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a talented Automation Controls Engineer to join their expanding operations in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and productivity of our manufacturing processes through the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced automation systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial communication networks. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects within a supportive and innovative environment. We embrace a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between essential on-site technical work and remote project management or design tasks, based in **Durban**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) for automated machinery.
• Develop and configure Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Integrate various industrial components, sensors, and actuators into automated control systems.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for control system issues.
• Collaborate with the engineering and production teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical schematics and program logic.
• Implement and enforce safety standards within all automation projects.
• Support commissioning of new equipment and systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming languages (Ladder Logic, Structured Text) and HMI software.
• Experience with industrial networks such as Profibus, Ethernet/IP, or Modbus.
• Strong understanding of electrical control system design and components.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, opportunities for professional development, and a stimulating work environment in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role provides the chance to make a tangible impact on operational efficiency.