Industrial Automation Controls Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & retirement benefits

Training & certifications

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Controls Engineer for a hybrid role in East London, Eastern Cape. You will design, implement, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotics control systems to improve production efficiency, quality, and safety across manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field and at least 5 years of hands-on automations experience with Siemens S7 and Rockwell platforms, plus WinCC/FactoryTalk.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting PLC brands (Siemens S7, Rockwell Logix).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (WinCC, FactoryTalk View) and industrial networking protocols.
• Experience with robotics programming (FANUC, KUKA) is a significant advantage.
• Strong understanding of electrical design principles and safety standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites within the East London area and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotics control systems for industrial automation projects.
• Program and troubleshoot various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and robotic controllers.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and user manuals.
• Conduct site visits for system integration, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, and other engineers to define project requirements and ensure successful delivery.
• Optimize existing automation systems to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and internal teams.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in industrial automation technology and best practices.
• Ensure all control systems comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Participate in FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing).

Skills

PLC programming

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell Logix

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Industrial networking protocols

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Controls Engineer to join their team based in East London, Eastern Cape. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site project support and remote engineering, focusing on the design, implementation, and optimization of automated control systems for manufacturing processes. You will be instrumental in enhancing production efficiency, quality, and safety through innovative application of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and SCADA systems. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of automation technologies, and a proven track record in project execution. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing in the Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotics control systems for industrial automation projects.
• Program and troubleshoot various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and robotic controllers.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and user manuals.
• Conduct site visits for system integration, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, and other engineers to define project requirements and ensure successful delivery.
• Optimize existing automation systems to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and internal teams.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in industrial automation technology and best practices.
• Ensure all control systems comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Participate in FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting various PLC brands (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Logix).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View) and industrial networking protocols.
• Familiarity with robotic programming (e.g., FANUC, KUKA) is a significant advantage.
• Strong understanding of electrical design principles and industrial safety standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites within the East London area and beyond.

Benefits

• Annual salary of ZAR.
• Project completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications.
• Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing automation technologies.
• Career advancement opportunities within a leading technology solutions provider.