Industrial Automation Technician

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 460,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Technician to join our operations in Nelspruit. You will maintain, install and troubleshoot automated systems, including PLCs, HMIs and VFDs, to ensure continuous production and minimal downtime.

Reading electrical schematics and P&ID diagrams, you will support design, testing and implementation of new automation solutions, help ensure safety compliance, and work independently or as part of a close-knit team within the

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Industrial Automation Technician or similar.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI software.
• Experience with robotics, servo drives, and networking protocols.
• Relevant technical qualification in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Troubleshoot and repair automated machinery and control systems, identifying root causes.
• Perform preventative maintenance on automation equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Assist in design, implementation, and testing of new automation solutions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and operational requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI software

Robotics/servo drives

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

Electrical/Mechatronics qualification

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

SCADA

HMI software

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Technician to join their operations in Nelspruit . This role is crucial for the maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting of automated systems within industrial settings. You will work with PLCs, robotics, SCADA systems, and other automation hardware to ensure seamless production processes and minimize downtime. The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical foundation in automation technologies and a hands‑on approach to problem-solving, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of complex automated equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Troubleshoot and repair automated machinery and control systems, identifying root causes of issues.
• Perform preventative maintenance on automation equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Assist in the design, implementation, and testing of new automation solutions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and operational requirements.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Industrial Automation Technician or in a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI software.
• Experience with robotics, servo drives, and industrial networking protocols.
• Relevant technical qualification in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in the Nelspruit industrial area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for overtime pay.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in automation technologies.
• A challenging and rewarding career in a growing sector within Nelspruit .