Automation Engineer - Industrial Control Systems

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Training programs

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop, implement and maintain sophisticated industrial control systems for diverse manufacturing clients.

You will program PLC/SCADA/HMI and DCS solutions, develop automation strategies to cut costs and improve quality, and troubleshoot complex issues to minimize downtime. The role blends on-site work with remote collaboration and ongoing professional training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or Computer Science or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI software packages (Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Knowledge of industrial networks (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Robotic programming experience (Fanuc, KUKA, ABB) is a significant advantage.
• Strong understanding of control system architecture, instrumentation, and process control principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with client-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, HMI, and DCS systems for industrial applications.
• Develop and implement automation strategies to improve processes and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation hardware and software issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define project requirements and scope.
• Create detailed technical documentation including designs, wiring diagrams, and manuals.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and industry standards.
• Perform root cause analysis for automation failures and implement preventive measures.
• Conduct FAT and SAT for automation systems.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and staff on automation systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

Industrial networks

Robotics programming

Analytical thinking

Project collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Ignition

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Profinet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in automated industrial solutions, is seeking a talented and innovative Automation Engineer to join their growing team in Pretoria . This role is crucial for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated industrial control systems (ICS) and automation solutions for a diverse range of manufacturing clients. You will work with cutting-edge technologies, tackle complex engineering challenges, and contribute to the efficiency and productivity of our clients' operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically adept engineer looking to advance their career in a challenging and rewarding field, with a balance of on-site project work and potential for remote collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, HMI, and DCS systems for various industrial applications.
• Develop and implement automation strategies to improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation hardware and software issues, minimizing downtime.
• Collaborate with clients and internal engineering teams to define project requirements and scope.
• Create detailed technical documentation, including system designs, logic diagrams, wiring schematics, and user manuals.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automation technology, robotics, and industrial communication protocols.
• Perform root cause analysis for automation failures and implement preventive measures.
• Conduct FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for automation systems.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and internal staff on automation systems.
• Ensure all automation designs and implementations comply with industry standards and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI software packages (e.g., Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Knowledge of industrial networks (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Experience with robotic programming (e.g., Fanuc, KUKA, ABB) is a significant advantage.
• Strong understanding of control system architecture, instrumentation, and process control principles.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and client‑facing role.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance‑based bonuses, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• You will have access to extensive training programs to keep your skills sharp and opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects across various industries.
• This hybrid role allows for flexibility, combining essential on‑site work in Pretoria with remote work capabilities.