Automation Engineer - Robotics & Control Systems

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain automated control systems in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will program and commission industrial robots, develop robust documentation, and work with cross-functional teams to optimize production efficiency.

The role requires a 4+ year track record in industrial automation, strong PLC/HMI/SCADA skills, and a proactive approach to safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Experience with industrial robot programming and integration.
• Strong understanding of control systems, sensors, actuators, and feedback mechanisms.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with vision systems and industrial networking protocols is a plus.
• Experience within the Mossel Bay, Western Cape area is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated control systems using PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Program and commission industrial robots (KUKA, ABB, FANUC) for various manufacturing applications.
• Troubleshoot and maintain automation hardware and software to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate automation solutions into new and existing equipment.
• Develop technical documentation, including schematics, user manuals, and programming code.
• Conduct feasibility studies and define automation requirements for new projects.
• Optimize existing automated processes for improved performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and safety regulations for automated systems.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and propose innovative solutions.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations teams.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial robot programming

Control systems

Schematic reading

Education

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

Tools

Siemens

Rockwell Automation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing manufacturing company specializing in automated solutions, is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems, including robotics and control systems, across various production lines. The successful candidate will be instrumental in enhancing efficiency, precision, and safety through innovative automation technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a key industrial region. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and optimize automated processes, contributing to the company's competitive edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated control systems using PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Program and commission industrial robots (e.g., KUKA, ABB, FANUC) for various manufacturing applications.
• Troubleshoot and maintain existing automation hardware and software to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate automation solutions into new and existing equipment.
• Develop technical documentation, including schematics, user manuals, and programming code.
• Conduct feasibility studies and define automation requirements for new projects.
• Optimize existing automated processes for improved performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and safety regulations for automated systems.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and propose innovative solutions.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Experience with industrial robot programming and integration.
• Strong understanding of control systems, sensors, actuators, and feedback mechanisms.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with vision systems and industrial networking protocols is a plus.
• Experience within the Mossel Bay, Western Cape area is an advantage.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. This hybrid role offers a flexible work arrangement, combining on-site engineering work with remote analysis and documentation. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to work on exciting automation projects. The Mossel Bay, Western Cape location offers a unique coastal lifestyle while being part of a growing industrial sector. Our client fosters an innovative environment focused on technological advancement.