Industrial Automation Engineer - Mining Sector

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance bonus

Training programs

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for mining operations.

The ideal candidate will have 6+ years in industrial automation, with hands-on experience in Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, WinCC, and FactoryTalk View, plus strong safety knowledge. Willingness to travel to mine sites and work shifts is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 6+ years in industrial automation engineering, preferably mining/heavy industry.
• Experience with PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development.
• Knowledge of industrial control systems and safety principles.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for mining equipment and processes.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues in real time to minimize downtime.
• Maintain system documentation such as FDS, P&IDs, and manuals.
• Manage industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus) for device communication.
• Conduct system audits and performance analyses for optimization.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards (functional safety) and regulations.
• Provide training and technical support to site personnel.
• Stay updated on emerging automation technologies and best practices.
• Contribute to automation strategies and long-term maintenance plans.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial automation

Networking protocols

Functional safety knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Ethernet/IP

Profibus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining industry, is seeking a highly competent Industrial Automation Engineer to join their operational team in Rustenburg, North West . This role is vital for designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced automation systems that drive efficiency and safety in complex mining operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of automated processes. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path for an engineer passionate about industrial automation within a critical sector. You will work with state-of-the-art technology and contribute to the modernization of mining infrastructure. We are looking for an individual who is analytical, innovative, and committed to continuous improvement in automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for mining equipment and processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues in real-time to minimize downtime.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including functional design specifications, P&IDs, and operating manuals.
• Implement and manage industrial networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus) for seamless communication between devices.
• Conduct regular system audits and performance analyses to identify areas for optimization.
• Collaborate with operational teams, maintenance staff, and project engineers to integrate new automation solutions.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., functional safety) and industry regulations.
• Provide training and technical support to site personnel on automation systems.
• Stay abreast of emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the development of automation strategies and long-term maintenance plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation engineering, preferably within the mining or heavy industry sector.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA development (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, variable speed drives, and instrumentation.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols and networking.
• Knowledge of functional safety principles and SIL assessment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in a demanding operational environment.
• Willingness to work shifts and travel to mine sites around Rustenburg, North West as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and a performance-based bonus scheme. Opportunities for extensive training on leading automation platforms and professional development are provided. Employees work with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic and challenging environment. The company values employee growth and offers clear career progression paths. A strong commitment to safety and employee well-being is paramount. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Join a team dedicated to optimizing industrial processes and driving innovation in the mining sector.