Industrial Automation Engineer (Durban)

Level Up - Your Talent Partner; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Level Up - Your Talent Partner in Durban seeks an Industrial Automation Engineer to lead the design, development and delivery of complex automation projects from concept to commissioning. You will oversee control systems, SCADA interfaces and networking, while mentoring junior engineers and supporting presales with technical input.

You should have a strong background in PLC/SCADA/DCS across Siemens, Rockwell or Schneider platforms, and experience with FAT/commissioning, safety standards and

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial automation
• Experience with PLC/SCADA/DCS platforms
• Leadership or mentorship experience
• Exposure to FMCG, Mining or Water sectors
• PLC programming across Siemens/Rockwell/Schneider
• SCADA/HMI development with WinCC/Ignition/Aveva
• Industrial networking: Profinet/Modbus/Ethernet/IP
• Knowledge of functional safety and SIL systems
• Experience with FAT/commissioning/site handovers
• CAD for panel layouts and wiring schematics

Responsibilities

• Develop automation architectures using PLC/SCADA/DCS
• Engineer control logic, HMI interfaces and networks
• Oversee FAT, SAT and commissioning
• Validate I/O, safety interlocks and broken signals
• Lead safety, MOC and ISO project processes
• Mentor junior automation engineers
• Support presales with technical input and estimation
• Travel for site work and standby duties

Skills

Automation design

Project leadership

Mentorship

Industrial networking

System design

Education

B.Eng or BTech in Electrical/Electronic/Mechatronic

Tools

Siemens PCS7

TIA Portal

Rockwell

Schneider

WinCC

Ignition

Aveva

Job description

The Industrial Automation Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development and delivery of complex industrial automation projects. The role covers full project lifecycle delivery from system design through commissioning, as well as technical leadership, software change governance, mentorship, process optimisation and presales support.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop automation system architectures incorporating PLCs/DCS, SCADA and field instrumentation.
• Analyse project requirements and design appropriate automation solutions.
• Engineer control logic, HMI/SCADA interfaces and communication networks using Siemens PCS7, TIA Portal or equivalent platforms.
• Oversee the integration of field devices, drives and instrumentation.
• Execute and oversee Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing and commissioning.
• Verify system hardware and software configuration against approved design requirements.
• Work with site personnel and contractors to ensure safe and compliant installation.
• Execute signal verification, loop testing and acceptance testing.
• Validate I/O signals, interlocks and safety systems.
• Resolve identified discrepancies and support client approval and final handover.
• Lead process-improvement and energy-efficiency initiatives.
• Enforce documented Software Management of Change processes.
• Implement risk assessments and relevant safety standards.
• Oversee assigned projects in accordance with applicable project-management frameworks.
• Monitor performance measures including billable utilisation, customer satisfaction and professional development.
• Mentor and develop Industrial Automation Engineers.
• Support presales and proposal teams with technical input, project scoping and estimation.
• Participate in rotational standby duties where required.

Minimum Requirements

• B.Eng or BTech in Electrical, Electronic or Mechatronic Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in industrial automation.
• Proven experience with Siemens or equivalent PLC, SCADA or DCS platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in engineering leadership or mentorship.
• Exposure to industrial projects across sectors such as FMCG, Mining and Water.
• PLC programming knowledge across systems such as Siemens TIA Portal, Step 7, PCS7, Rockwell or Schneider.
• SCADA/HMI development experience using systems such as WinCC, Ignition or Aveva.
• Industrial networking knowledge, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet and Modbus.
• Understanding of functional safety and SIL-rated system design.
• Experience with process documentation and ISO project processes.
• Approximately one year of applied experience with Variable Speed Drives and Soft Starters, including setup, tuning and commissioning.
• Understanding of automation-system architecture and configuration principles.
• Knowledge of Profinet, Profibus, Modbus and Ethernet-based industrial communication.
• CAD proficiency for system design, panel layouts and wiring schematics.
• Proven experience executing FAT, commissioning and final site handovers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.

Advantageous Experience

• ECSA registration or eligibility for registration.
• Siemens TIA Portal and/or PCS 7 certification.

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Strong attention to detail and technical aptitude.
• Adaptability and continuous learning.
• Collaboration and clear communication.
• Strategic thinking and innovation.
• Leadership and mentorship capability.

Additional Information

The role requires participation in a rotational standby schedule, including availability after hours, on weekends and public holidays for urgent support or emergencies.

Performance measures include billable-hours utilisation, customer satisfaction, professional development achievement and delivery efficiencies.