Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Training and certification support

Diverse industrial projects

Innovative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg seeks an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain automated control systems for mining and industrial sectors. You will lead PLC/DCS/HMI programming, improve plant performance, and ensure safe, cost-efficient operations on site.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics and at least 5 years’ hands-on automation experience, with strong PLC/SCADA expertise and robotics exposure preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proficiency with major PLC brands and SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, instrumentation and process control.
• Experience with robotics integration and motion control is a plus.
• Excellent diagnostic skills and ability to work independently in a demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLCs, DCS and HMIs for industrial applications.
• Develop automation strategies to optimize plant performance and product quality.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues to minimize production downtime.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate solutions.
• Maintain documentation of control narratives, diagrams and backups.
• Stay updated on automation tech and propose upgrades or new solutions.

Skills

PLC programming

DCS & HMIs

SCADA systems

Robotics integration

Motion control

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's in Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Industrial Automation Engineer to enhance operational efficiency within the mining and industrial sectors in Rustenburg . This role focuses on the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated control systems, ensuring seamless integration of machinery and processes. You will be at the forefront of adopting new technologies to optimize production, improve safety, and reduce operational costs. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to apply your expertise in a key industrial hub, contributing to the modernization of critical South African industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for industrial applications.
• Develop and implement robust automation strategies to optimize plant performance, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, ensuring minimal downtime for production lines.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate automation solutions into new and existing equipment.
• Maintain accurate documentation of automation systems, including control narratives, network diagrams, and software backups.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology and propose upgrades or new solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency with major PLC brands (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, instrumentation, and process control principles.
• Experience with robotics integration and motion control is a plus.
• Excellent diagnostic skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team in a demanding industrial environment in Rustenburg .

Benefits

• Competitive salary range and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for specialized training and certification in automation technologies.
• Exposure to diverse industrial projects and advanced automation solutions.
• Supportive work environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.