Electrical Engineer - Control Systems Automation

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary & bonuses

Medical aid & retirement

Professional development

Remote work

Diverse projects

Team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Electrical Engineer to join a remote-first automation team in South Africa. You will design, develop, and implement advanced control systems for various industrial applications, translating client requirements into robust specifications.

This role emphasizes PLC/HMI programming, control strategy development, and integration of sensors, drives, and robotics, with remote collaboration across clients and engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with automation focus.
• 3–5 years hands-on experience in automation systems.
• Proficiency in PLC/HMI programming and common fieldbus protocols.
• Ability to work remotely with clients and teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLCs and HMIs for automation systems.
• Develop control strategies to optimize processes for efficiency and reliability.
• Specify and integrate sensors, actuators, drives, and robotics.
• Perform diagnostics, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
• Create documentation including schematics, logic, and manuals.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell Automation

Schneider Electric

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a talented Electrical Engineer with a passion for control systems and automation to join their remote-first engineering team. In this role, you will design, develop, and implement sophisticated automation solutions that drive efficiency and innovation across various industrial applications. You will work closely with clients and internal teams to understand requirements, translate them into technical specifications, and deliver robust, scalable automation systems. This fully remote position allows you to apply your expertise from anywhere in South Africa, contributing to cutting-edge projects while maintaining excellent work-life integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for industrial automation systems.
• Develop and implement robust control strategies to optimize industrial processes for efficiency, safety, and reliability.
• Specify and integrate various automation components, including sensors, actuators, drives, and robotic systems.
• Perform system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis for automation-related issues.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including electrical schematics, program logic, and user manuals.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, project managers, and mechanical/software engineers in a remote setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with a focus on automation.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Knowledge of variable speed drives (VSDs) and servo systems.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong verbal and written communication skills for remote collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and certifications in automation technologies.
• Fully remote work environment fostering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging automation projects across multiple industries.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture that encourages innovation.