Field Service Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-provided vehicle

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Field Service Engineer to join our team in the Cape Town area. The role focuses on on-site installation, commissioning, calibration and maintenance of advanced industrial automation systems for diverse clients.

You will diagnose and repair electromechanical and software issues, ensuring maximum uptime and safe operation. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's or Diploma in Electrical/Mechanical engineering with at least 4 years in field service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Diploma in electrical/mechanical engineering.
• Minimum 4 years in field service/technical support for industrial automation.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs (Siemens/Allen-Bradley), HMIs and robotics.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Experience with servo motors, drives and control systems.
• Excellent customer-facing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, commission, calibrate and maintain industrial automation equipment on-site.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and software issues to restore operation.
• Provide technical guidance and training to customers.
• Write detailed service reports with findings and recommendations.
• Manage spare parts inventory for service calls.
• Adhere to safety protocols and company policies on client sites.
• Collaborate with engineering and sales to feedback product performance.
• Contribute to service procedure improvements.

Skills

Customer-facing skills

Analytical & problem-solving

Willingness to travel

Reading schematics & manuals

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

National Diploma in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI systems

Industrial networks

CRM/ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a dedicated Field Service Engineer to join their esteemed team in Cape Town . This role is essential for providing on-site technical support, installation, and maintenance services for our advanced automation systems and machinery used by a diverse range of industrial clients. You will be the primary technical point of contact, ensuring seamless operation and maximum uptime for our customers' critical production lines. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of electromechanical systems. The successful candidate will thrive in a client-facing environment, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology across various manufacturing sectors in the Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform on-site installation, commissioning, and calibration of industrial automation equipment, including PLCs, robotics, and HMI systems.
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance and inspections to ensure optimal equipment performance and identify potential issues.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, and software-related problems to restore equipment functionality.
• Provide technical support and guidance to customers, assisting them with operational queries and troubleshooting.
• Develop and deliver technical training sessions to customer personnel on equipment operation and maintenance.
• Write detailed service reports, documenting all performed work, findings, and recommendations.
• Manage spare parts inventory and ensure necessary components are available for service calls.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and company policies while on client sites.
• Collaborate with the internal engineering and sales teams to provide feedback on product performance and customer needs.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of service procedures and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a field service or technical support role, specifically with industrial automation systems.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMIs, industrial networks, and robotics.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
• Experience with troubleshooting and repair of servo motors, drives, and control systems.
• Excellent customer-facing skills, with the ability to build rapport and manage client expectations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Cape Town region and occasionally further afield.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM or ERP systems.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• You will receive ongoing training on the latest automation technologies, a company-provided vehicle, mobile phone, and laptop.
• Opportunities for international travel and career advancement within a leading global organization are significant.
• This hybrid role in Cape Town provides a unique blend of on-site client engagement and remote technical support, offering flexibility and professional growth.