Automation Engineer

SA Metal Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident fund

Life cover at 4x annual salary

Funeral cover

Medical aid – Hospital Plan

15 days paid leave per annum

Long service leave after five years

Job summary

SA Metal Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to join the Engineering team in a permanent on-site role. You will build and maintain SCADA, drive plant optimization, and standardize control systems across the group.

Requirements include 10 years in heavy industry, a relevant tertiary qualification, PLC/SCADA integration ability, and knowledge of Modbus/TCP/Ethernet/IP. Overtime may be required; own transport and a driver’s license are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years working experience in a similar or heavy industry.
• Ability to integrate different devices to a PLC and SCADA system.
• Knowledge of Modbus, TCP, Ethernet/IP and other protocols.
• Must have own reliable transport and a valid driver’s license.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Willing to work overtime when required.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain SCADA packages and automation systems.
• Drive plant optimization and visualization to improve performance.
• Standardize control systems across sites.
• Draft manuals and provide operator training.
• Develop automated reports on machine performance and downtime.
• Manage projects, upgrades and control replacements.
• Update electrical/control drawings and change-control processes.
• Provide remote after-hours support and cross-branch collaboration.

Skills

PLC & SCADA integration

Industrial protocols

Java scripting

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

CWorks

Job description

SA Metal Group is proud of the high quality of people it has attracted.
Our employees are committed to our mission of providing the best
possible service to all our valued suppliers and customers, with
enthusiasm and integrity.

We believe that our people are our biggest asset. We aim to provide all staff members with all possible opportunities to realize their full potential within optimum working conditions. The process starts with selecting the right people for the job, after which we ensure continuous skills development, assisting the SA Metal Group to grow and develop.

We strive to conduct all our business with integrity, professionalism and a positive attitude.

Training, Empowerment & Development

SA Metal Group’s Human Capital Development Policy states:

“SA Metal Group values its people above all other assets and strives to develop all staff members to their full potential. To this end the Company provides excellent human capital development programmes and rewards staff members who strive to improve themselves and show commitment to the Mission of the Company.”

We offer many development programmes, including our Supervisory Development Programme, Artisan Development Programme and Adult Basic Education and Training Programme. We have on-site computer training facilities countrywide where these courses are held.

These programmes are aimed to develop, motivate and upskill our employees, providing them with an opportunity to progress to their full potential within SA Metal Group.

The Engineering department has a vacancy for an Automation Engineer. The position requires an experienced, methodical, process-driven individual. The successful candidate will be responsible for problem solving and the management of daily work tasks. The successful candidate’s duties and responsibilities will include:

• Build and maintain various SCADA packages
• Drive plant optimization and visualization
• Manage the standardization of all control systems
• Record the bill of materials for all SA Metal machines
• Drafting of Machine user/operator manuals and providing training on the operations
• Develop automated reports on machine performance, breakdowns and stoppages
• Manage projects, machine upgrades and machine control replacements
• Update electrical and control drawings, ensure all drawings are relevant.
• Implement and manage a control change request system
• Managing the servicing of any electronic components
• Planning and managing of routine jobs, unscheduled breakdowns
• Initiating, planning and conducting research for projects
• Improve the machine fault reporting system
• Provide a technical report on machine failure based on failure reports
• Ensure calibrated instrumentation are serviced and meets the required tolerances
• Assist the electrical department with fault finding
• Provide remote after hour support with breakdowns
• Provide technical support and collaborate with our Gauteng branches
• Provide technical support and collaborate with SA Steelworks
• Practice and apply Health and Safety practice

Qualifying Criteria:

• Minimum of 10 years working experience in a similar or heavy industry
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Ability to integrate different devices to a PLC and Scada system
• Good understanding of different communication protocols (Modbus, TCP, Ethernet/IP)
• Java scripting would be an added benefit
• Able to work in a pressurized and demanding environment
• Must have your own reliable transport
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Sound communication skills (understand, read and write English)
• Strong administrative ability
• Experience working with an Electronic Maintenance system (CWorks)
• Knowledgeable on the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Must be prepared to work overtime when required

Qualifying Attributes

• Must be physical fit and able to work at heights
• Must be of sober habits
• Hands on practical approach to the job
• Hard working and self-motivated
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Display a professional work approach
• Result-driven
• Logical and detail orientated
• Commitment to a strong business ethic and integrity
• Priority management
• Excellent communication skills on all levels
• Ability to lead by example
• Critical thinking and conflict resolution ability

Reporting to: Engineering Divisional Directors

Job type: Permanent position

Benefits include

• Provident fund
• Life cover at 4x annual salary
• Funeral cover
• Medical aid – Hospital Plan with Discovery Health
• 15 x paid leave days per annum
• Long service leave after five years of employment

Standard hours

• 07h30–17h00: Monday – Thursday
• 07h30–16h00: Friday
• May be required to work overtime as per operational requirements

We offer a highly competitive package depending on the extent of the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

We regret that it is not possible to contact all unsuccessful applicants.

Please note that the successful candidate will receive a formal, written offer of employment after all applicable pre-employment checks have been completed. This offer will only be valid if it is signed by a company representative authorised to make such an offer. Representations made on behalf of the company in any other form do not constitute valid offers of employment and should not be construed as such.

Skills

Auto Electrics Automate - software program Automation Design Automation Testing Automotive Robotic Process Automation (RPA)