Automation Engineer

SA Metal; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident fund

Life cover at 4x annual salary

Funeral cover

Medical aid – Hospital Plan

15x paid leave days per annum

Long service leave after five years

Job summary

SA Metal in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Automation Engineer to lead SCADA development and PLC programming across heavy industry environments. You will drive plant optimization, standardize control systems, and manage BOMs.

The role includes drafting manuals, training operators, and providing after-hours breakdown support, with close collaboration with regional teams. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in relevant fields, a tertiary qualification, strong communication skills, and a hands-on,

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in a similar or heavy industry.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Strong SCADA development skills (Ignition, Factory Talk, Sematic WinCC).
• Strong PLC programming skills (Delta, Allen Bradley, Siemens).
• Ability to integrate devices to PLC/SCADA systems.
• Understanding of Modbus, TCP, Ethernet/IP protocols.
• Overtime may be required.
• Own reliable transport and valid driver’s license.
• English reading/writing and computer literacy (MS Office).
• Experience with Electronic Maintenance systems (CWorks).
• Knowledge of OHSA Act.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain various SCADA packages.
• Drive plant optimization and visualization.
• Manage standardization of control systems.
• Record bill of materials for SA Metal machines.
• Draft machine manuals and provide operator training.
• Develop automated reports on machine performance and breakdowns.
• Manage projects, upgrades and control replacements.
• Update drawings and ensure relevance.
• Implement and manage a control change request system.
• Provide remote after-hours support for breakdowns.
• Collaborate with Gauteng branches and SA Steelworks.
• Practice Health and Safety procedures.

Skills

SCADA development

PLC programming

English communication

Problem solving

Education

Tertiary qualification

Tools

CWorks

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Job description

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.

• 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
• Strong Scada development skills (Ignition, Factory Talk, Sematic WinCC)
• Strong PLC programming skills (Delta, Allen? Bradley, Siemens)
• 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)
• Computer literate (MS Word, MS Excel)
• 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
• Excellent standards in execution
• 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

• Provident fund
• Life cover at 4x annual salary
• Funeral cover
• Medical aid – Hospital Plan with Discovery Health
• 15x 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

Salary

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