Automation Specialist - Food & Beverage Production

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Meal subsidies

Wellness programs

Significant annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Automation Specialist to enhance production lines with advanced automation technologies, PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. The role focuses on improving efficiency, ensuring product consistency, and upholding safety standards in a fast-moving food and beverage environment.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor in Electrical or Mechatronics, at least 7 years of hands-on automation experience in manufacturing, and strong skills with Siemens and Allen-Bradley

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechatronics engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of hands-on automation experience in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, robotics, and machine vision.
• Experience with hygienic design principles in food & beverage equipment is a plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting and teamwork capabilities.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when needed.
• Eligible to work in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, implement, and maintain automated systems and control logic for production machinery, including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering to integrate new automation technologies into production lines.
• Develop and execute validation and commissioning plans for new projects.
• Optimize automated processes to improve throughput and quality.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations for automated systems.
• Provide technical training and support to maintenance and operations staff.
• Maintain documentation of automation systems, including P&IDs, schematics, and code.
• Stay updated on latest automation advancements and propose innovations.
• Participate in project planning and budgeting for upgrades and installations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networks

Machine vision

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's in Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier player in the food and beverage industry, is looking for a skilled Automation Specialist to enhance their production lines in Cape Town. This role is crucial for integrating cutting-edge automation technologies to boost efficiency, ensure product consistency, and maintain the highest safety standards. You will be at the forefront of technological innovation, designing and implementing systems that streamline operations and reduce manual intervention. We are seeking an individual with a passion for automation and a proven ability to troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems. This position offers the chance to work with state-of-the-art equipment and contribute significantly to the operational excellence of a company renowned for its quality products and sustainable practices. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, and IT teams. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional to drive impactful changes in a thriving industry within the vibrant city of Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, implement, and maintain automated systems and control logic for production machinery, including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate new automation technologies and equipment into existing production lines.
• Develop and execute validation and commissioning plans for new automation projects.
• Optimize existing automated processes to improve throughput, efficiency, and product quality.
• Ensure compliance with industry-specific safety regulations and standards for automated systems.
• Provide technical training and support to maintenance and operational staff on automated equipment.
• Maintain accurate documentation of automation systems, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, and programming code.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology and recommend adoption of relevant innovations.
• Participate in project planning and budgeting for automation upgrades and new installations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, robotics, and machine vision systems.
• Experience with food and beverage production equipment and relevant hygienic design principles is highly desirable.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a logical approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings and schematics.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside standard hours to support critical production activities.
• Must be eligible to work in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Benefits

This role comes with a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and a generous retirement fund. Our client values continuous learning and provides ample opportunities for professional growth, including access to specialized training and industry certifications. Employees benefit from a collaborative and innovative work culture, with potential for advancement within the company. Additional perks include subsidized employee meals, access to wellness programs, and significant annual leave. Join our client's team and contribute to shaping the future of food and beverage production in Cape Town.