Industrial Automation Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 344,000 - 551,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Automation Specialist for a remote contract role based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will design, implement, and troubleshoot automation systems for diverse industrial clients, including PLC programming and HMI development.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of automation experience, strong PLC skills (Ladder Logic, ST, FBD), familiarity with Siemens, Rockwell, and Mitsubishi, and solid networking knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in automation engineering.
• Proficient in PLC programming languages: Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram.
• Experience with Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi PLC brands.
• Familiar with HMI/SCADA development and configuration.
• Understanding of industrial networking protocols and data acquisition.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills, even when remote.
• Ability to manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with robotics or motion control is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC systems for diverse industrial applications.
• Develop user-friendly HMI screens and interfaces for process monitoring and control.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks (e.g., Modbus TCP/IP, Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Integrate hardware components, sensors, actuators, and control devices.
• Perform system diagnostics, identify root causes of automation issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including logic diagrams and manuals.
• Collaborate with clients to understand automation needs and provide technical recommendations.
• Ensure automation solutions adhere to safety standards and best practices.
• Provide remote technical support to clients.
• Stay updated with advancements in industrial automation technology.

Skills

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

Function Block Diagram

Siemens

Rockwell

Mitsubishi

HMI/SCADA

Industrial Networking

Problem Solving

Client Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Rockwell PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic industrial solutions provider, is seeking a talented Industrial Automation Specialist for a contract role based out of Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This position is designed to be fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from your preferred location. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automation systems for various industrial clients. This includes programming PLCs, developing HMI interfaces, configuring industrial networks, and integrating diverse equipment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in automation technologies, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a keen eye for efficiency improvements. You will work on cutting-edge projects, helping clients optimize their manufacturing processes and enhance operational performance. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced automation professional looking for a flexible, remote contract position with significant project impact. You will collaborate closely with client engineering teams and our project managers to deliver tailored automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC systems for diverse industrial applications.
• Develop user-friendly HMI screens and interfaces for process monitoring and control.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks (e.g., Modbus TCP/IP, Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Integrate various hardware components, sensors, actuators, and control devices.
• Perform system diagnostics, identify root causes of automation issues, and implement effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including logic diagrams, user manuals, and project reports.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their automation needs and provide technical recommendations.
• Ensure automation solutions adhere to safety standards and best practices.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting assistance to clients.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in industrial automation technology.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Proven experience (3-5 years) as an Automation Engineer or similar role.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text).
• Experience with major PLC brands (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi).
• Familiarity with HMI/SCADA software development and configuration.
• Understanding of industrial networking protocols and data acquisition.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills, even in a remote setting.
• Ability to manage projects and deliver on tight deadlines.
• Experience with robotics or motion control systems is a plus.

Benefits

This contract position offers a competitive hourly rate, reflecting your specialized skills and experience in industrial automation. As a remote role, you benefit from significant flexibility in your work environment. Our client provides opportunities to work on challenging and diverse projects across various industries. You will gain exposure to new technologies and methodologies. This role allows for significant autonomy and the ability to manage your own schedule, within project constraints. You will be part of a network of skilled professionals and have direct interaction with clients, enhancing your professional portfolio. Prompt payment for services rendered is assured.