Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Exposure to cutting-edge tech

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Automation Engineer to join our client in Bloemfontein. You will design, program, implement and maintain PLC, HMI and SCADA systems across manufacturing processes.

This hybrid role balances on-site work in Bloemfontein with remote system diagnostics and software development, offering exposure to cutting-edge automation tech and strong opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Experience in developing HMI/SCADA applications (WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP.
• Robotics and motion control knowledge a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and systematic troubleshooting skills.
• Hybrid work ability; on-site in Bloemfontein with remote capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC programs for industrial control systems.
• Configure and customize HMI/SCADA software for operator interfaces and data acquisition.
• Integrate new automation equipment into existing processes.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize system performance.
• Conduct FAT and SAT for automation projects.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Diagnostics & debugging

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Profibus

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in manufacturing automation and process control, is seeking a skilled Industrial Automation Engineer to join their operations in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and safety of our automated production systems. You will be responsible for the design, programming, implementation, and maintenance of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems. This hybrid role requires a balance of on-site presence for critical hands-on work, system integration, and client interaction in Bloemfontein , with flexibility for remote system diagnostics and software development. We are committed to adopting the latest technologies and seek an individual who is passionate about driving automation innovation within the manufacturing sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC programs for various industrial control systems.
• Configure and customize HMI/SCADA software for operator interfaces and data acquisition.
• Integrate new automation equipment and technologies into existing manufacturing processes.
• Perform system troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Conduct FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for automation projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and engineering.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel on automation systems.
• Stay updated with advancements in automation technology and recommend improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency with PLC programming platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
• Experience in developing HMI/SCADA applications (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Knowledge of robotics and motion control systems is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, supporting operations in Bloemfontein with remote capabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with potential for annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training on leading automation platforms.
• Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking work environment in Bloemfontein .
• Support for continuous learning and career growth.