Automation Engineer

WatersEdge Solutions; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking an Automation Engineer in Cape Town. You will design and develop automation systems across various projects, provide client support, and maintain technical excellence. This role offers a hybrid working model and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies. Ideal candidates should hold a BTech or BSc and have strong experience with PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems.

Benefits

Strong mentorship

Career development

Opportunity to work on full-lifecycle projects

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience with PLC brands.
• Understanding of automation operating systems.
• Familiarity with databases and web interface development.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test PLC, SCADA, and HMI automation systems.
• Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Provide ongoing client support and maintenance.

Skills

Technical experience with PLC brands

HMI and SCADA system familiarity

Analytical mindset

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Education

BTech or BSc in Mechatronics, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Schneider Vijeo Citect

Job description

Overview

WatersEdge Solutions is hiring a highly technical and self-driven Automation Engineer to design and develop smart automation systems within a high-performance engineering environment. This is an excellent opportunity to work on end-to-end projects, from concept through commissioning, with exposure to leading technologies such as PLCs, SCADA, HMI, and integrated web functionality.

About the Role

As an Automation Engineer, you’ll design, program, test, and optimise automation systems for industrial clients. The role covers software development, factory and site acceptance testing, and ongoing client support. You’ll also have the opportunity to add value through advanced services such as business data reporting and web-interface integration. If you’re looking to combine strong technical ability with client-facing delivery, this is the ideal role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test PLC, SCADA, and HMI automation systems
• Participate in internal planning sessions to translate client control philosophies into automation logic
• Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• Provide ongoing client support and maintenance, including root cause analysis and site visits
• Deliver client training on plant control systems and process optimisation
• Build custom reports and web interfaces based on client requests
• Ensure all development milestones, testing, and documentation meet agreed quality standards
• Maintain professional client relationships, resolving issues effectively and promoting service excellence

What You’ll Bring

• BTech or BSc in Mechatronics, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering
• Strong technical experience with PLC brands (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider Vijeo Citect), HMI, and SCADA systems
• Understanding of automation operating systems and network configurations
• Familiarity with databases and web interface development is advantageous
• Analytical mindset with fault-finding and decision-making skills
• Planning, organisation, and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure with a strong sense of accountability and urgency

Nice to Have

• Experience developing reports using business data
• Exposure to client training and commissioning processes
• Familiarity with web development for industrial automation environments

What’s On Offer

• Opportunity to work on full-lifecycle automation projects
• Exposure to cutting-edge tools and technologies
• Strong mentorship and career development in a technically rigorous environment
• Hybrid working model with site-based project engagement
• A role that combines innovation, precision, and client impact

Company Culture

At WatersEdge Solutions, we align skilled engineers with organisations driving innovation in automation. You’ll join a team that values problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous technical growth—where your contributions are critical to delivering smarter, more efficient systems for the industrial sector.

If you have not been contacted within 10 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.