Lead Control Systems Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Profit-sharing opportunities

Medical aid and dental coverage

Retirement annuity fund

Training & certifications

24 days annual leave

On-site Mossel Bay facility

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Control Systems Engineer to design, implement and maintain advanced automation systems for complex industrial processes. You will lead a team of engineers, integrate hardware and software, and drive performance, safety and efficiency across operations.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in control systems, strong PLC, SCADA and HMI experience, industrial networks, cybersecurity and motion control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/CS or related field.
• 8+ years in control systems engineering and industrial automation.
• Expertise programming/configuring PLCs from major manufacturers.
• Strong experience with SCADA and HMI development.
• Understanding of industrial networking and cybersecurity for automation.
• Experience with motion control, robotics, and servo systems is desirable.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems.
• Develop and program PLCs, SCADA, and HMIs.
• Design and configure industrial networks and ensure reliable communication.
• Oversee integration of new equipment with existing infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Develop and execute testing and validation plans for control systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of control logic and network diagrams.
• Stay current with automation advances like IIoT and robotics.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

HMI development

Industrial networking

Cybersecurity for automation

Motion control & robotics

Leadership & mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Mechatronics/CS

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Schneider Electric PLC

Wonderware

Ignition

FactoryTalk View

Modbus/Profibus/Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing and industrial solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Control Systems Engineer to join their innovative team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is critical for designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated control systems that drive automation within complex industrial processes. You will lead a team of engineers, ensuring the seamless integration of hardware and software to optimize performance, enhance safety, and improve efficiency across various operations. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial network communication. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a key industrial hub within the scenic Western Cape region, contributing to the advancement of operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of industrial automation and control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Develop and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Design and configure industrial networks, including Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and Modbus, ensuring reliable communication between devices.
• Oversee the integration of new equipment and systems with existing infrastructure, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions.
• Develop and execute comprehensive testing and validation plans for control systems before deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, to ensure integrated system performance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior control systems engineers.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation, including control logic, network diagrams, and operating manuals.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, including robotics, IIoT, and artificial intelligence applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in control systems engineering and industrial automation.
• Proven expertise in programming and configuring PLCs from major manufacturers (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric).
• Strong experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk View) and HMI development.
• Solid understanding of industrial networking protocols and cybersecurity principles for automation systems.
• Experience with motion control, robotics, and servo systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced industrial environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with the manufacturing landscape in Mossel Bay, Western Cape is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise, along with performance-based bonuses and profit‑sharing opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid, dental coverage, and a robust retirement annuity fund are provided.
• We invest in your continuous learning and development through access to specialized training, industry certifications, and opportunities to attend leading automation and engineering conferences.
• This role includes 24 days of annual leave, increasing with tenure.
• The position is based at our modern facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , offering a stimulating and collaborative work environment.
• Our client is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.