Electrical Automation Engineer - Manufacturing

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowances

Annual bonuses

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training and development

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Electrical Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain electrical control systems powering advanced manufacturing lines in Nelspruit. The role emphasizes PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, and robust networking to boost production efficiency and reliability.

You will design panels, troubleshoot systems, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automation solutions while staying compliant with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in industrial electrical automation engineering in manufacturing.
• Strong PLC programming proficiency (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
• Experience with industrial robots (KUKA, ABB) and their programming.
• Solid understanding of industrial networks and cybersecurity principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software for electrical design.
• Excellent troubleshooting and systematic problem-solving.
• Strong communication and teamwork in cross-functional environments.
• Experience with vision systems or ML in manufacturing is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours including overtime as required.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems and HMI interfaces.
• Implement and maintain robotic systems and automated machinery.
• Develop and manage industrial networks (Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Create and update electrical schematics and wiring diagrams using CAD.
• Collaborate with mechanical and production teams to optimize solutions.
• Perform root cause analysis of electrical/automation failures and fix.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new automation equipment.
• Ensure automation systems meet safety standards and regulations.
• Provide training and technical support to maintenance staff.
• Stay current with IIoT, machine learning, and advanced robotics.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics

Industrial networking

CAD design

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturing company renowned for its innovative production processes, is looking for an adept Electrical Automation Engineer to join their operational team in **Nelspruit**. This critical role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining the electrical control systems that power their advanced manufacturing lines. You will play a key part in optimizing production efficiency, ensuring system reliability, and driving the adoption of new automation technologies. The ideal candidate has a strong background in PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, and industrial networking, coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Join a dynamic industrial environment in **Nelspruit** and contribute to the seamless operation of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI interfaces for manufacturing equipment.
• Implement and maintain robotic systems and automated machinery, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
• Develop and manage industrial communication networks (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Create and update electrical schematics, control panel designs, and wiring diagrams using CAD software.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers and production staff, to integrate and optimize automation solutions.
• Perform root cause analysis for electrical and automation failures and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new automation equipment and systems.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Provide training and technical support to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, including IIoT, machine learning, and advanced robotics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial electrical automation engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI software.
• Experience with industrial robots (e.g., KUKA, ABB) and their programming.
• Solid understanding of industrial networking protocols and cybersecurity principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software for electrical design.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, essential for collaborating with diverse teams in **Nelspruit**.
• Experience with vision systems or machine learning applications in manufacturing is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional overtime or shift work, as required by production needs.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including shift allowances and annual bonuses, along with comprehensive medical aid and a provident fund. Employees benefit from ongoing training and development programs, career advancement opportunities within the organization, and a safe and engaging work environment in **Nelspruit**. The company values employee well-being and promotes a healthy work-life balance.