Automation Engineer

OutsideCapital; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

OutsideCapital is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to provide technical leadership across automation and control systems. The role focuses on improving manufacturing reliability, standardising automation practices, strengthening cybersecurity and supporting digital manufacturing initiatives across multiple sites.

The ideal candidate will lead automation standards, oversee PLC/SCADA/HMI systems, manage lifecycle and upgrades, and drive data connectivity and analytics while mentoring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• At least 10 years' experience in industrial automation and process control within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA/HMI, industrial networks, drives and control-system integration.
• Experience in automation projects, reliability improvement, standards and lifecycle management.
• Understanding of OT/PCD cybersecurity and digital manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation standards, architectures and engineering practices across manufacturing sites.
• Improve reliability and performance of PLC, SCADA, HMI, industrial networks and control systems.
• Provide technical oversight of automation projects, upgrades, commissioning and lifecycle planning.
• Investigate recurring failures, perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Govern automation integration, technology selection and data connectivity.
• Support OT/PCD cybersecurity risk assessments and compliance.
• Drive digital manufacturing initiatives including data integration and performance analytics.
• Mentor site engineering teams and collaborate with operations, IT, cybersecurity, suppliers and project teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental and change-management requirements.

Skills

PLC systems

SCADA/HMI

Industrial networks

Drive systems

Control-system integration

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, Automation or related engineering

Job description

An established manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to provide technical leadership across automation and control systems. The role focuses on improving manufacturing reliability, standardising automation practices, strengthening cybersecurity and supporting digital manufacturing initiatives across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation standards, architectures and engineering practices across manufacturing sites.
• Improve reliability and performance of PLC, SCADA, HMI, industrial networks and control systems.
• Provide technical oversight of automation projects, upgrades, commissioning and equipment lifecycle planning.
• Investigate recurring failures, conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Govern automation integration, technology selection and industrial data connectivity.
• Support operational technology (OT/PCD) cybersecurity, risk assessments and compliance.
• Drive digital manufacturing initiatives, including data integration, monitoring and performance analytics.
• Mentor site engineering teams and collaborate with operations, IT, cybersecurity, suppliers and project teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental and change-management requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, Automation or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 10 years’ experience in industrial automation and process control within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of PLC, SCADA/HMI, industrial networks, drives and control-system integration.
• Experience in automation projects, reliability improvement, technical standards and equipment lifecycle management.
• Understanding of OT/PCD cybersecurity and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Advantageous: Multi-site or Centre of Excellence experience, professional registration, and relevant automation or cybersecurity certifications.

Ideal Candidate

A technically strong automation professional who can combine hands‑on problem-solving with a strategic, cross‑site approach to improving reliability, standardisation, cybersecurity and manufacturing performance.