Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Private medical aid

Pension fund benefits

Training and professional development

Paid annual leave

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Automation Engineer to join our manufacturing division in Cape Town, Western Cape. The role focuses on modernizing production lines through robotics, PLC systems, and SCADA/HMI integration, with a hybrid work model combining on-site collaboration and remote work.

You will design, implement, and optimize automation solutions, work with cross-functional teams, and ensure reliable operation through maintenance and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA software; experience with robotics integration.
• Strong reading of electrical schematics and P&IDs; good teamwork in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation systems including robotics, PLCs, SCADA, and HMI integration.
• Troubleshoot automation hardware/software to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and specs.
• Conduct feasibility studies and recommend automation technologies.
• Develop and maintain control system logic, programming, and documentation.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new automation equipment.
• Implement predictive maintenance strategies for automated systems.
• Train maintenance and operations personnel on automation systems.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotic programming

Industrial networks

Problem solving

Reading schematics

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / Industrial Engineering

Tools

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

HMI/SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Industrial Automation Engineer to join their manufacturing division in Cape Town, Western Cape. This role is crucial for modernizing our production lines and enhancing operational efficiency through the implementation of advanced automation systems. The position offers a hybrid work model, blending essential on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be at the forefront of integrating robotics, PLC systems, and intelligent software solutions to streamline manufacturing processes. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive engineer to contribute to a significant transformation within a well-established company, driving innovation and productivity in a key economic hub. The successful candidate will work closely with production teams, R&D, and external vendors to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of automated systems. We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment where your expertise can thrive and make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation systems for manufacturing processes, including robotics, PLCs, SCADA, and HMI integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation hardware and software issues to minimize production downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define automation requirements and develop technical specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and recommend appropriate automation technologies.
• Develop and maintain control system logic, programming, and documentation.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new automation equipment.
• Implement predictive maintenance strategies for automated systems.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial automation technologies and best practices.
• Train maintenance and operations personnel on the operation and troubleshooting of automation systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g., FANUC, KUKA).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills for a hybrid work environment.
• Experience with industrial data acquisition and analysis is a plus.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of ZAR.
• Private medical aid contribution.
• Pension fund benefits.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• A supportive and innovative hybrid work culture.
• Paid annual leave.
• Potential for performance-based incentives.