Automation Engineer

Network Finance; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance in Gauteng is seeking a hands-on automation specialist with strong PLC programming and machine design experience to develop and maintain automated manufacturing systems across sites.

The role emphasizes driving continuous improvement, supporting global facilities, and ensuring equipment performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years' experience within an automation engineering environment.
• 3-4 years' experience in design/development of automated machinery.
• Strong PLC programming experience.
• HMI design and development experience.
• Beckhoff and Festo PLC experience advantageous.
• Experience with pneumatic control systems and programming.
• Knowledge of Profinet, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP.
• Experience with Festo Vision Systems advantageous.
• E-Plan design experience.
• Working knowledge of Linux commands and SSH.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Valid driver's licence and own transport.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation support for production equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Develop, modify and optimise PLC programs and HMI interfaces.
• Design and maintain electrical schematics using E-Plan.
• Support maintenance, calibration, commissioning and installation activities.
• Assist local and international manufacturing facilities with automation-related challenges.
• Manage relationships with automation suppliers and integration partners.
• Drive continuous improvement and equipment optimisation projects.
• Support new product introductions from an automation perspective.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, procedures and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with ISO and quality management requirements.
• Mentor and support technical team members where required.
• Participate in machine commissioning and acceptance testing activities.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Beckhoff PLC

Festo PLC

Pneumatic control systems

Profinet

Modbus TCP

Ethernet/IP

Festo Vision Systems

E-Plan design

Linux commands

SSH

Fault-finding

Communication & stakeholder management

Driver's licence

Willingness to travel

Education

BEng in Mechatronic Engineering (Preferred)

BTech / Advanced Diploma in Mechatronics, Electronics or Electrical Engineering (Light Current)

Tools

E-Plan

Linux

SSH

Job description

This role is ideal for a hands-on automation specialist with strong PLC programming and machine design experience. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining automated manufacturing systems, driving continuous improvement initiatives, supporting global manufacturing sites, and ensuring optimal equipment performance across the business.

You will have the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge automation projects, collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams, and play a key role in advancing manufacturing technologies and operational efficiencies.

Education:

• BEng in Mechatronic Engineering (Preferred)
• BTech / Advanced Diploma in Mechatronics, Electronics or Electrical Engineering (Light Current)

Job Experience & Skills Required:

• 5-8 years' experience within an automation engineering environment.
• 3-4 years' experience in the design and development of automated machinery.
• Strong PLC programming experience.
• HMI design and development experience.
• Beckhoff and Festo PLC experience advantageous.
• Experience with pneumatic control systems and programming.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including:
  • Profinet
  • Modbus TCP
  • Ethernet/IP
• Experience with Festo Vision Systems advantageous.
• E-Plan design experience.
• Working knowledge of Linux commands and SSH.
• Strong fault‑finding and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Valid driver's licence and own transport.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.

Duties:

• Provide automation support for production equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Develop, modify and optimise PLC programs and HMI interfaces.
• Design and maintain electrical schematics using E-Plan.
• Support maintenance, calibration, commissioning and installation activities.
• Assist local and international manufacturing facilities with automation‑related challenges.
• Manage relationships with automation suppliers and integration partners.
• Drive continuous improvement and equipment optimisation projects.
• Support new product introductions from an automation perspective.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, procedures and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with ISO and quality management requirements.
• Mentor and support technical team members where required.
• Participate in machine commissioning and acceptance testing activities.