Industrial Automation Technician

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Pension fund contributions

Medical aid

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an Industrial Automation Technician to join a leading manufacturing solutions team. The hybrid role combines on-site installation, maintenance and commissioning of PLCs, HMIs, robots and SCADA with remote monitoring and configuration.

You will diagnose issues, read schematics, and document configurations to improve reliability. The ideal candidate has a National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or Industrial

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in industrial automation with hands-on PLC, HMI and VFD work.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and teamwork for client collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and commission automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, robots, SCADA).
• Conduct routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs to minimise downtime.
• Troubleshoot complex issues on-site or remotely and implement fixes.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, drawings, and process diagrams.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation and code configurations.
• Collaborate with production teams to optimise system performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Provide training and technical support to operators and maintainers.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

VFD configuration

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Pneumatic systems

Troubleshooting

Schematic interpretation

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics/Industrial Automation

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI tools

SCADA

VFD configuration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Industrial Automation Technician to join their operations in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This hybrid role involves a combination of on-site support for installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting, alongside remote monitoring and system configuration. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of automated production lines and systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical, mechanical, and control systems, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for problem-solving. This is an excellent opportunity to work with cutting-edge automation technology, contribute to critical industrial processes, and grow your career within a forward-thinking organization that values technical expertise and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and commission industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robots, and SCADA systems.
• Perform routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on automated machinery and control systems to minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues, both remotely and on-site, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and process flow diagrams.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation, including programming code, configuration files, and operational manuals.
• Collaborate with production teams and engineers to optimize system performance and implement improvements.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance personnel.

Requirements

• A National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial automation, with hands-on experience in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and VFD configuration.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems commonly found in automated manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing complex automation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, including electrical schematics and control logic.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with teams and clients.
• Willingness to travel to client sites within **Richards Bay** and surrounding areas as needed.
• Adaptability to a hybrid work model, balancing on-site and remote duties.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in automation technologies.
• Exposure to state-of-the-art automation systems.
• Pension fund and medical aid contributions.
• Generous annual leave.
• A dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork.