Automation Engineer - Industrial Machinery

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Learning opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Automation Engineer for our manufacturing client in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will design, implement, and maintain automated control systems across production lines, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency.

The role requires hands-on PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and integration of industrial robots, with strong teamwork across engineering and production. On-site work with relocation support possible for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000 preferred).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Hands-on experience with industrial robot programming and integration.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC control systems for industrial machinery using platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar.
• Develop and implement HMI/SCADA systems for process visualization and control.
• Integrate and program industrial robots (e.g., KUKA, FANUC, ABB) for various manufacturing tasks.
• Specify and select automation components, including sensors, actuators, drives, and safety devices.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and documentation.
• Perform FAT and SAT for automated systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure integrated system design.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance personnel and production staff on automation systems.
• Identify opportunities for automation enhancements to improve productivity, quality, and safety.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automation technology and industrial networking.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of advanced industrial machinery, is looking for a highly skilled Automation Engineer to join their innovative team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated control systems for their cutting‑edge production equipment. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of PLC programming, robotics, HMI development, and industrial networking. You will be responsible for ensuring the seamless integration of automation technologies to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety across our client's manufacturing operations. This is a hands‑on role requiring close collaboration with engineering and production teams on‑site.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC control systems for industrial machinery using platforms such as Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, or similar.
• Develop and implement HMI/SCADA systems for process visualization and control.
• Integrate and program industrial robots (e.g., KUKA, FANUC, ABB) for various manufacturing tasks.
• Specify and select automation components, including sensors, actuators, drives, and safety devices.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and documentation.
• Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) for automated systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure integrated system design.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance personnel and production staff on automation systems.
• Identify opportunities for automation enhancements to improve productivity, quality, and safety.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automation technology and industrial networking.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000 preferred).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Hands‑on experience with industrial robot programming and integration.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849) is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and life insurance.
• Pension fund with employer contribution.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional certification.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge automation technologies.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment.