Lead Automation Technician

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Company vehicle and fuel allowance

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement savings plan

Training and professional development

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Automation Technician to guide and optimize PLC, SCADA, and HMI projects in Randburg. The role blends on-site client work with remote analysis, requiring deep control logic knowledge and robotics familiarity.

You will lead troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance while mentoring junior technicians and ensuring safety and deadlines across projects.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial automation with emphasis on PLC/SCADA/HMI.
• Degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Proficient with major PLC platforms and SCADA/HMI tools.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex automation system issues (PLC/SCADA/HMI).
• Oversee installation, configuration and commissioning of automation systems.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance strategies for equipment.
• Program and modify PLC logic and SCADA/HMI interfaces.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians.
• Conduct system audits and performance analyses for improvements.
• Collaborate with clients and engineering teams to define requirements.
• Ensure safety standards and project deadlines are met.
• Maintain detailed documentation of systems and programming.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Driver's license

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Siemens S7

Wonderware (InTouch)/Ignition

HMI development

Ethernet/IP / Profinet

FANUC Robotics

KUKA Robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking industrial automation solutions provider, is seeking a highly competent and experienced Lead Automation Technician to join their team in Randburg, Gauteng. This role is pivotal in supporting and implementing advanced automation systems for a variety of industrial clients. You will be responsible for the technical leadership, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems. This position requires a deep understanding of industrial control logic, robotics, and process optimization techniques. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, the ability to diagnose complex automation issues, and excellent leadership qualities to mentor junior technicians. This hybrid role allows for a blend of on-site client work and remote system analysis, offering flexibility and diverse project exposure. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality automation solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex automation system issues, including PLC, SCADA, and HMI software and hardware.
• Oversee and perform installation, configuration, and commissioning of automation systems.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance strategies for automation equipment.
• Program and modify PLC logic (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and develop SCADA/HMI interfaces.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation technicians.
• Conduct system audits and performance analyses to identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with clients and internal engineering teams to define automation requirements and solutions.
• Ensure all automation projects meet safety standards and project deadlines.
• Maintain detailed documentation of automation systems, configurations, and programming.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial automation, with a focus on PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Extensive experience with programming and troubleshooting major PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Siemens S7).
• Proficiency in SCADA software (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition) and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet).
• Experience with robotics (e.g., FANUC, KUKA) is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage hybrid work responsibilities effectively.
• Valid driver's license required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Company-provided vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities.
• Generous annual leave.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects.