Automation Engineer, F&B Production – Innovate & Grow

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Training and certifications

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain automated systems across production lines. You will work on PLC programming, HMI development, and robot integration to optimize manufacturing processes.

The role combines on-site execution with remote strategic planning, requiring strong teamwork and problem-solving in a dynamic Food & Beverage environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics or related field.
• 4+ years in industrial automation focusing on PLC programming and HMI.
• Hands-on experience with robotic systems is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for production lines.
• Troubleshoot automation systems to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality assurance to define automation requirements.
• Conduct feasibility studies and propose automation projects.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, electrical schematics, and user manuals.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations in Cape Town.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics (FANUC/KUKA)

Control system design

Networking

Troubleshooting

Food & Beverage knowledge

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI software

Robotic systems (FANUC/KUKA)

Job description

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain automated systems across production lines. You will work on PLC programming, HMI development, and robot integration to optimize manufacturing processes.

The role combines on-site execution with remote strategic planning, requiring strong teamwork and problem-solving in a dynamic Food & Beverage environment.