Industrial Automation Controls Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance incentives

Continuous training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Industrial Automation Controls Specialist in East London. The role focuses on designing, programming, implementing, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, and related automation systems to optimize production.

You will maintain equipment, interpret schematics, and support safety compliance, with collaboration across engineering and operations. The ideal candidate holds an Electrical/Mechatronics degree with 5+ years of hands-on automation experience, proficient in

Qualifications

• Qualified in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience programming major PLC platforms (Siemens S7, Allen‑Bradley).
• Experience with HMI software (WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Knowledge of robotics integration is a plus.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC-based control systems.
• Develop and maintain HMI screens for operators.
• Troubleshoot electrical and software issues in automation systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and upgrades on automation equipment.
• Interpret electrical schematics and control diagrams for maintenance.
• Implement new automation technologies to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams on automation opportunities.
• Ensure safety standards and regulations are met across systems.
• Maintain documentation of control system designs and configurations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance staff.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Industrial networks

Electrical schematics

Robotics integration

Analytical skills

Documentation

Education

Electrical/Mechatronics degree

Tools

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the automotive supply chain located in East London, Eastern Cape , is actively seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Controls Specialist . This on-site role is critical to optimizing and maintaining our automated production systems. You will be responsible for the design, programming, implementation, and troubleshooting of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and other automation control systems. This position demands a strong technical aptitude, precision, and a proactive approach to ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for various manufacturing processes.
• Develop and maintain HMI screens for operator interfaces, ensuring user-friendliness and effective data visualization.
• Troubleshoot and debug electrical and software issues related to automation control systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and upgrades on existing automation equipment.
• Interpret electrical schematics and control diagrams to facilitate effective maintenance and modifications.
• Implement and integrate new automation technologies to improve production efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify automation opportunities and solutions.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and regulations.
• Maintain accurate documentation of control system designs, programming, and configurations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance staff and operators on automation systems.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Experience with HMI software (e.g., Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Knowledge of robotics integration and industrial sensors is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional overtime and standby duties, to support production needs.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, provident fund, and performance incentives. We provide continuous training and development opportunities to keep our team at the forefront of automation technology. This role offers the chance to work with cutting‑edge manufacturing equipment and contribute directly to the efficiency of a major industrial operation. Join a dynamic and professional team dedicated to innovation and operational excellence.