Field Service Engineer - Automation

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Fuel card

Mobile phone

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Field Service Engineer to provide on-site technical support, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of automation systems for diverse industrial clients. You will travel within Gauteng and nearby provinces, visiting customer sites to ensure optimal performance and uptime.

The role emphasizes preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and hands-on training for customers, with opportunities to advance in a global automation organization and exposure to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and configure automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and robotic cells.
• Provide on-site troubleshooting and repair of automation equipment and software issues.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and system health checks to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop and deliver technical training to customers on operation and maintenance of systems.
• Respond to customer inquiries and service requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Document all service activities including installation reports and repair logs.
• Collaborate with internal engineering and sales teams to provide comprehensive solutions.
• Identify opportunities for system upgrades, enhancements, and future sales.
• Adhere to company safety policies and client site safety requirements.
• Contribute to service documentation and best practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Customer facing

Time management

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell/AB PLC

HMI software

KUKA robotics

ABB robotics

Fanuc robotics

Profibus

Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

A global leader in industrial automation solutions is seeking a highly motivated Field Service Engineer to join their team in Pretoria. This role focuses on providing expert on-site technical support, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of sophisticated automation systems and equipment for a variety of industrial clients. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring customer satisfaction by resolving technical issues efficiently and effectively, as well as promoting preventative maintenance strategies. This position requires a deep understanding of PLCs, HMI, robotics, and other automation technologies. While travel within Gauteng and surrounding provinces is expected, there will be periods of work from our Pretoria office for planning and reporting. This is a challenging and rewarding role for an experienced engineer looking to advance their career.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and configure automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and robotic cells.
• Provide expert on-site troubleshooting and repair of automation equipment and software issues.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and system health checks to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop and deliver technical training to customers on the operation and maintenance of systems.
• Respond to customer inquiries and service requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Document all service activities, including installation reports, repair logs, and customer feedback.
• Collaborate with internal engineering and sales teams to provide comprehensive solutions.
• Identify opportunities for system upgrades, enhancements, and future sales.
• Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures, as well as customer site safety requirements.
• Contribute to the development of service documentation and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in field service, technical support, or commissioning of industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency with major PLC programming platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) and HMI software.
• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc) is a significant advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer-facing skills.
• Ability to travel frequently within Gauteng and occasionally to other provinces.
• Valid driver's license and a valid passport.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Knowledge of industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP) is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers an excellent compensation package, including a competitive base salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits suite (medical, dental, vision, retirement plan). Extensive training on the latest automation technologies and opportunities for international certifications are provided. This role offers significant autonomy and the chance to work with leading-edge technology. Company vehicle, fuel card, and mobile phone are provided for business use. You will be based out of our Pretoria hub, with extensive client interactions.