Lead Control Systems Engineer - Industrial Automation (Remote)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fully remote work from SA

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Home office allowance

Annual leave

Stock purchase plan

Team engagement activities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Control Systems Engineer to join a distributed engineering team in South Africa. The role is fully remote, with responsibilities spanning PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA integration, and robotics across diverse industrial applications.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with clients to define requirements, and drive project delivery while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in control systems design and implementation.
• Expert in PLC/HMI/SCADA.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Able to work remotely from South Africa.
• Experience with robotics and motion control is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex automation and control systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics).
• Oversee programming, configuration, and testing of control system software.
• Develop and implement strategies for system integration and ensure seamless operation with existing infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of control systems engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with clients to define project requirements, scope and specifications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for successful delivery.
• Conduct system commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance optimization (remote and on-site as needed).
• Maintain comprehensive design documentation and user manuals.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in industrial automation and process control, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Control Systems Engineer to join their distributed engineering team. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute from your home office anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of sophisticated control systems for a wide range of industrial applications. This senior role requires not only deep technical expertise in PLC programming, HMI design, and SCADA systems but also strong leadership and project management skills. You will guide junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and work directly with clients to understand their requirements and deliver optimal solutions. We are looking for a proactive, innovative thinker who is passionate about driving efficiency and technological advancement in the industrial sector. Your contributions will be vital to the success of major automation projects for our esteemed clientele across various industries. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape the future of industrial control.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics.
• Oversee the programming, configuration, and testing of control system software.
• Develop and implement strategies for system integration, ensuring seamless operation with existing infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of control systems engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with clients to define project requirements, scope, and technical specifications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure successful project delivery.
• Conduct system commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance optimization both remotely and occasionally on-site if required for critical deployments.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, programming code, and user manuals.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in control systems engineering.
• Ensure all designs and implementations comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in control systems design and implementation.
• Extensive experience with major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA software (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk).
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text, C++, Python).
• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering projects and mentoring technical staff.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Experience with industrial robotics and motion control systems is a significant plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility in working hours.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications.
• Allowance for home office setup and ongoing technology needs.
• Annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Access to a collaborative network of global engineering talent.
• Employee stock purchase plan options.
• Regular virtual team engagement activities.