Lead Automation Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Home office setup budget

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Automation Engineer for a globally distributed, remote-first team. The role centers on design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced automation systems across oil and gas operations.

You will lead projects, develop PLC/DCS logic, HMI screens, and SCADA configurations, while ensuring ICS cybersecurity and reliable operation. A bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in automation are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in industrial automation within oil & gas or process industries.
• Expert proficiency with major PLC/DCS platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson).
• Strong SCADA, HMI design, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Proven track record leading automation projects from inception to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of industrial automation and control systems.
• Develop PLC/DCS logic, HMI screens, and SCADA configurations.
• Oversee projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring standards compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineers and technicians.
• Troubleshoot complex issues in hardware, software, and networks.
• Maintain automation system documentation (P&IDs, diagrams, layouts).
• Ensure cybersecurity best practices for ICS.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to optimize performance.
• Stay updated on new automation technologies and industry trends.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement of automation equipment/services.

Skills

PLC/DCS programming

SCADA design

HMI design

Industrial networking

Project leadership

Remote management

Cybersecurity ICS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Control Systems / Computer Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Lead Automation Engineer to join their globally distributed, remote-first team. This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced automation systems across their diverse oil and gas operations. The successful candidate will lead automation projects, develop control strategies, and ensure the reliability and efficiency of industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA. You will work closely with engineering teams worldwide, providing expert guidance on automation technologies and best practices. This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated engineer to leverage their expertise in a fully remote capacity, contributing to critical operational infrastructure without geographical constraints. We are looking for an innovative individual with a deep understanding of PLC/DCS programming, HMI development, and network architecture for industrial environments. Your leadership will be key in driving digital transformation and optimizing operational performance through intelligent automation. The fully remote nature of this role requires strong self-discipline, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to manage projects independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of industrial automation and control systems.
• Develop PLC/DCS logic, HMI screens, and SCADA system configurations.
• Oversee automation project execution from concept to commissioning, ensuring adherence to specifications and standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineers and technicians.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to automation hardware, software, and networks.
• Develop and maintain automation system documentation, including P&IDs, logic diagrams, and network layouts.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to optimize system performance and reliability.
• Stay abreast of new automation technologies and industry trends, recommending advancements where applicable.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement of automation equipment and services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation engineering within the oil and gas or process industries.
• Expert proficiency in programming and configuring major PLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson).
• Strong experience with SCADA systems, HMI design, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Proven experience in leading automation projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and remote management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508/61511) is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure commensurate with experience.
• As a fully remote employee, you will enjoy significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health insurance, retirement contributions, and a generous budget for home office setup, training, and professional development.
• Join a forward-thinking organization at the forefront of industrial automation and digital transformation.
• This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced automation leader to drive innovation and make a lasting impact from anywhere in the world.