Automation Engineer - Industrial Control Systems

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Automation Engineer for a fully remote role serving clients across South Africa. The engineer will design, implement, and support PLC control systems for diverse manufacturing clients, with a focus on Siemens/Allen-Bradley platforms, HMI/SCADA development, and robust networking across Profibus/Profinet/Ethernet/IP.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial automation, strong documentation skills, and the ability to work independently on multiple projects while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficient in PLC programming with Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software such as WinCC or FactoryTalk View.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC control systems for various industrial applications.
• Develop HMI and SCADA systems.
• Configure and integrate industrial networks and communication protocols.
• Perform system integration, testing, and commissioning of automation solutions.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for installed automation systems.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA engineering

Industrial networking

Remote troubleshooting

Technical writing

Project management

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding industrial automation company, is seeking a talented Automation Engineer to join their innovative team in Pretoria . This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and support of sophisticated industrial control systems for a diverse range of manufacturing clients across South Africa. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems, coupled with a passion for driving efficiency and innovation in industrial processes. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere while contributing to critical automation projects for businesses in Gauteng and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC control systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) for various industrial applications.
• Develop Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Configure and integrate industrial networks and communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Perform system integration, testing, and commissioning of automation solutions.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for installed automation systems.
• Collaborate with clients and internal engineering teams to define project requirements and scope.
• Develop detailed design documentation, including control schematics, logic descriptions, and user manuals.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology and recommend new solutions.
• Conduct remote site assessments and provide recommendations for automation upgrades.
• Ensure all developed solutions meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficient in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Experience with robotic integration and vision systems is a plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, particularly in remote support scenarios.
• Strong documentation and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills, adapted for remote interaction.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, VBScript) for automation is advantageous.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering excellent work-life balance and the flexibility to work from anywhere. Our client provides a competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional certifications in leading automation technologies are supported. You will be part of a forward-thinking company at the forefront of industrial automation innovation.