Control Systems Engineer - Automation & PLC Programming

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private health insurance

Retirement annuity

Training programs

Career progression

Job summary

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the industrial automation sector, is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to join their on-site team in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will design, implement, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions driving production efficiency.

The ideal candidate has 5 years of industrial automation experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics, with IEC 61131-3 PLC programming across multiple platforms. Travel to project sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proven PLC programming experience across multiple platforms (IEC 61131-3).

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs for industrial machines and processes.
• Develop and implement HMI and SCADA systems for visualization and control.
• Integrate sensors, drives, robotics, and vision systems.
• Document control narratives, diagrams, wiring, and manuals.
• Commission systems on-site with testing, calibration, and validation.
• Provide training to maintenance teams and operators.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers for integrated design.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and upgrades.
• Adhere to safety protocols and industry standards.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Networking protocols

Robotics experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley

Schneider Electric

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the industrial automation sector, is looking for a talented Control Systems Engineer to join their operations in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated automation systems that drive production efficiency. You will be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge PLC, HMI, and SCADA technologies into complex manufacturing processes. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer passionate about automation and control, seeking to work with advanced technologies in a hands‑on, plant‑based environment. The position is based on‑site, requiring dedicated presence to ensure operational continuity and immediate response to system needs. We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technological excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for various industrial machines and processes (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric).
• Develop and implement Human‑Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for process visualization and control.
• Integrate various automation components, including sensors, drives, robotics, and vision systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including control narratives, logic diagrams, wiring schematics, and user manuals.
• Perform system commissioning, including on‑site testing, calibration, and validation of control systems.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance teams and plant operators.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure integrated system design and functionality.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and implement control system upgrades to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Adhere strictly to safety protocols and industry best practices during all stages of design and implementation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming (IEC 61131-3 standard) and experience with multiple PLC platforms.
• Strong knowledge of HMI/SCADA software and networking protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with industrial robotics and motion control systems is a plus.
• Understanding of industrial safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849) and functional safety principles.
• Excellent problem‑solving, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
• Must be willing to travel occasionally to project sites and vendor locations.

Benefits

This role comes with a highly competitive salary package, supplemented by an annual performance bonus and extensive benefits, including comprehensive private health insurance and a retirement annuity. Our client invests in its employees through ongoing training programs, opportunities for international certifications, and clear career progression paths. You will be part of a forward‑thinking company that values innovation and employee well‑being, with access to state‑of‑the‑art technology and equipment in our Tembisa facility.