Automation Engineer

RMG Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in Gqeberha seeks an Automation Engineer to design and optimize electrical systems. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in automation and control systems. Responsibilities include developing PLC programs and conducting maintenance. The role also emphasizes innovation and sustainability, offering a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in electrical design, automation, and control system development.
• Strong knowledge of HMI/SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize electrical systems for solvent recovery and recycling.
• Develop and program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems for process automation.
• Supervise the installation and commissioning of electrical and automation systems.
• Conduct regular system diagnostics and preventive maintenance.
• Ensure all electrical designs adhere to industry standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Electrical and automation design tools

Programming skills for control systems

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field

Tools

PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley)

HMI/SCADA systems

CAD tools

Job description

Automation Engineer job vacancy in Port Elizabeth.

A leading manufacturer is seeking a skilled and innovative Electrical / Automation Engineer to support the development and optimization of cutting‑edge, sustainable technologies in solvent recovery and recycling.

The role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining electrical systems and automated solutions that enhance product efficiency and performance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automation, control systems, and electrical engineering, coupled with a passion for environmentally conscious innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Electrical System Design & Development
  • Design, develop, and optimize electrical systems for solvent recovery and recycling equipment.
  • Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation using CAD tools.
  • Select appropriate electrical components, such as motors, sensors, controllers, and drives.
• Automation & Control Systems
  • Develop and program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems for process automation.
  • Design and implement control algorithms to enhance system performance and efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot, test, and debug control systems to ensure seamless operation.
• Installation & Commissioning
  • Supervise the installation and commissioning of electrical and automation systems.
  • Perform on‑site testing and validation to ensure systems meet operational requirements.
  • Train operators and technical staff on the operation and maintenance of automation systems.
• Maintenance & Optimization
  • Conduct regular system diagnostics, performance analysis, and preventive maintenance.
  • Identify opportunities to upgrade and optimize existing electrical and automation systems.
  • Provide technical support to ensure minimal downtime and high system reliability.
• Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure all electrical designs and installations adhere to industry standards and safety regulations.
  • Maintain compliance with environmental and energy efficiency guidelines.
  • Conduct risk assessments for electrical systems and implement safety protocols.
• Collaboration & Documentation
  • Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including mechanical engineers, production staff, and R&D.
  • Document all design changes, troubleshooting processes, and operational guidelines.
  • Assist the sales team with technical inputs for client proposals and presentations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in electrical design, automation, and control system development.
• Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, or similar platforms).
• Strong knowledge of HMI/SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with sustainable and energy‑efficient design principles is a plus.

Key Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in electrical and automation design tools.
• Strong programming and troubleshooting skills for control systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Project management and multitasking capabilities in a fast‑paced environment.