Field Service Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Fuel card

Mobile phone supplied for business use

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Travel expense reimbursement

Advanced training and certification

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Field Service Engineer to support clients in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. You will install, commission, and maintain industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics, ensuring production lines run reliably.

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics and at least 4 years' field service experience. A valid driver's license and willingness to travel regionally are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years' field service or automation engineering experience.
• Experience with major PLC brands (Siemens, Rockwell) and HMIs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and configure automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, robotics).
• Diagnose on-site hardware/software issues and perform preventive maintenance.
• Travel within Nelspruit/Mpumalanga to service clients and provide on-site support.

Skills

Field service experience

PLC troubleshooting

HMI familiarity

Reading schematics

Customer interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell Automation PLC

HMI systems

Robotics

Machine vision

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in industrial automation solutions, is seeking an experienced Field Service Engineer to support clients in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. This role is vital for providing on-site technical expertise in the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of advanced automation systems, including PLCs, robots, and HMI interfaces. You will work directly with manufacturing clients to ensure their production lines operate efficiently and reliably, minimizing downtime. The successful candidate must possess a strong understanding of industrial control systems, electrical principles, and mechanical systems. This is a hands‑on role requiring significant travel within the region, excellent problem‑solving skills, and a customer‑centric approach. You will be a key technical resource, building strong relationships with our clients and contributing to their operational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and configure industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Perform diagnostic troubleshooting of automation hardware and software issues on‑site.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and calibration of automation equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Execute repairs and replacements of faulty components and systems.
• Provide on‑site technical support and guidance to customer personnel.
• Interpret technical documentation, schematics, and programming logic.
• Develop and deliver basic training to customer operators and maintenance staff.
• Maintain accurate service reports, documentation, and parts usage logs.
• Adhere to all site safety regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with the internal engineering and sales teams to resolve customer issues and identify new opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in field service, automation engineering, or industrial controls.
• Proven experience with major PLC brands (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation) and HMI systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial robotics, motion control, and machine vision systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in reading electrical schematics and diagnosing control system issues.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region and occasional overnight stays.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a demanding field environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, complemented by a performance‑based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• A company vehicle, fuel card, and mobile phone supplied for business use.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certification in the latest automation technologies.
• Work with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and technologies.
• Chance to work with diverse industrial clients in the Nelspruit area, contributing significantly to manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
• Travel expenses are fully reimbursed.