Industrial Engineer - Process Automation & Control

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 332,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Contractor position

Competitive daily rate

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Engineer specializing in process automation and control systems to design, implement, and optimize automated solutions for manufacturing processes. You will program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA, analyze production data to drive improvements, and collaborate remotely with on-site teams to troubleshoot and support systems.

The role emphasizes delivering compliant, high-quality automation solutions while staying current with industry trends and cybersecurity best

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with automation focus (Electrical/Industrial/Mechatronics).
• 4+ years in industrial automation, process control and PLC/SCADA implementations.
• Experience with major PLC platforms and HMI/SCADA software.
• Knowledge of process modeling/simulation tools and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and independent work skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Program and configure PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Analyze production data to identify automation opportunities and optimize control strategies.
• Collaborate remotely with on-site teams to troubleshoot automation issues and provide support.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for control systems.

Skills

Industrial automation

Process automation

PLC programming

SCADA systems

HMI programming

Remote collaboration

Cybersecurity best practices

Education

Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics

Industrial Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI software

SCADA software

Process simulation

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a technology-driven manufacturing company operating near Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a skilled Industrial Engineer with expertise in process automation and control systems. This role is focused on enhancing production efficiency and quality through the integration and optimization of automated processes and control technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, PLCs, SCADA systems, and process modeling. You will work remotely, collaborating closely with on-site engineering and production teams to design, implement, and troubleshoot automated solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive engineer to make a significant impact on advanced manufacturing processes from a remote setting, contributing to innovation in the dynamic industrial landscape of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Program and configure Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for process improvement through automation and advanced control strategies.
• Collaborate remotely with on-site teams to troubleshoot automation issues and provide technical support.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control system design, programming logic, and operational manuals.
• Conduct feasibility studies for new automation projects and provide recommendations for technology selection.
• Participate in the testing and commissioning of new automated equipment and systems.
• Ensure that all automation solutions comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in industrial automation and process control.
• Contribute to the development of long-term automation roadmaps for the company.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field with a strong focus on automation.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial automation, process control, and PLC/SCADA system implementation.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling tools relevant to automation.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet).
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective remote communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with industrial robotics and machine vision systems is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work remotely for a company based in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable automation solutions.

Benefits

• This contractor position offers a competitive daily rate or project-based compensation, with the significant advantage of being a fully remote role.
• You will have the flexibility to work from your preferred location while contributing to impactful projects for our client in the Western Cape.
• This role provides exposure to advanced automation technologies and the opportunity to work with a forward-thinking company.
• While the role is remote, occasional site visits for critical commissioning or troubleshooting may be required.