Automation Engineer

Xelvin; Remote; ZAR 762 000 - 1 144 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Dutch staffing company seeks an Automation Engineer in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The role involves working with production-critical systems including PLCs and SCADA. Ideal candidates possess a degree in a technical field and have strong communication skills in Dutch and English. The position offers a two-year contract with full relocation support, ensuring a smooth transition and a fulfilling career path in the Netherlands.

Benefits

Secure 2-year contract with permanent role perspective

Full relocation support

25 paid holidays

Public holidays and holiday allowance

Overtime and shift allowances

Safe international work environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level thinking ability in a technical field.
• Strong interest in automation and production-critical systems.
• Structured working style and strong communication skills.
• Fluency in Dutch/Afrikaans and good English command.

Responsibilities

• Work on production-critical systems involving design and programming.
• Troubleshoot and optimise industrial equipment and automated machines.
• Collaborate with a team in a structured environment.

Skills

Strong interest in production-critical systems

Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering or related field

Tools

PLCs

SCADA

MES

Industrial networks

Cybersecurity standards

Job description

Automation Engineer: your next career leap starts here.

Imagine working with world-class automation systems, contributing to high-tech industrial projects, and growing your career in a country known for innovation, engineering excellence, and opportunity.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, grow internationally, and build a stable future—

this opportunity in the Netherlands could be your breakthrough.

About the role

As an Automation Engineer, you will work on production-critical systems such as PLCs, SCADA, MES, industrial networks, servers, and cybersecurity standards. You will be involved in design, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimisation of industrial equipment and automated machines.

This role is ideal for engineers who want to broaden their knowledge, work with cutting-edge European technologies, and gain experience in a professional, structured environment.

What we offer

• A secure 2-year contract, with the perspective of a permanent role.
• Full relocation support, from housing to paperwork.
• 25 paid holidays, plus optional ADV days.
• Public holidays and 8.33% holiday allowance (above market standard).
• Overtime and shift allowances according to Dutch law.
• A safe, international work environment with passionate colleagues.
• The opportunity to build a stable life and career in the Netherlands.

What we are looking for

• A Bachelor-level thinking ability, ideally in a technical field like Mechatronics Engineering, Electromechanics, Automation or Electrical Engineering.
• Strong interest in production-critical systems: PLCs, SCADA, MES, industrial networks, computers, servers, and cybersecurity standards.
• A structured way of working and strong communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent Dutch/Afrikaans communication skills and good command of English technical language. (If Dutch is not yet fluent, Xelvin supports language training to help you reach this level.)

About Xelvin

Xelvin is a leading Dutch engineering and technical staffing company that connects highly skilled professionals with innovative organisations across the Netherlands. With a strong focus on quality, long-term partnerships and personal development, Xelvin supports engineers in building sustainable and meaningful careers. We work across key sectors such as high-tech, energy, manufacturing, and industrial automation, offering international talent a smooth relocation process, professional guidance and a welcoming community. At Xelvin, we believe in empowering technical professionals to grow, explore new opportunities and make impact within the companies they join.