Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Vendor certifications

Hybrid work model

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, invites an Industrial Automation Engineer to design, develop, implement and maintain automated systems that boost efficiency in production lines. The role covers PLC, HMI, SCADA and robotics, with a hybrid setup: on-site installations and remote design, programming and analysis, plus strong cross-functional collaboration.

A relevant engineering degree and proven industrial automation experience are required, with a commitment to safety standards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Proven automation experience including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with industrial robotics programming is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for new and existing automated processes.
• Develop robotic cell designs and programming for automation tasks.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues on-site and remotely.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify automation opportunities and solutions.
• Perform system upgrades, modifications, and preventative maintenance on automated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and client requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Robotics programming

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Computer Science

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

KUKA robots

ABB/FANUC robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking manufacturing firm located in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is seeking an innovative Industrial Automation Engineer . This pivotal role focuses on the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems and processes that drive efficiency and productivity in our client's operations. The position requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application in areas such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), robotics, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. This is a hybrid role, demanding on-site presence for critical system installations, commissioning, and troubleshooting, complemented by remote work for design, programming, and analysis. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a passion for automation technology, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Our client is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize its production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for new and existing automated manufacturing processes.
• Develop and implement robotic cell designs and programming for various automation tasks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, both on-site and remotely.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to identify automation opportunities and develop solutions.
• Perform system upgrades, modifications, and preventative maintenance on automated equipment.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards, industry best practices, and client requirements.
• Analyze system performance data to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control system designs, logic diagrams, and user manuals.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial automation technologies and recommend their adoption where appropriate.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operational staff on automated systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in industrial automation, including PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with industrial robotics programming (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of control systems, instrumentation, and industrial networks.
• Proficiency in diagnosing and troubleshooting complex automation hardware and software issues.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of safety standards relevant to industrial automation (e.g., ISO 13849).
• Willingness to travel to client sites as needed for installations and commissioning.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to a regular salary, benefits include a performance bonus scheme, comprehensive medical aid coverage, and retirement fund contributions. Employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, including vendor-specific certifications, and exposure to state-of-the-art automation technologies. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, blending on-site project involvement with remote analytical and design tasks. Our client fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning, offering significant opportunities for career advancement. Join a dynamic company at the forefront of industrial automation.