Lead Electrical Automation Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Automation Engineer for its manufacturing operations in Benoni, Gauteng. The role drives innovation and efficiency through advanced automation across PLC, HMI, SCADA and robotics, with hands-on leadership of a team of engineers and technicians.

The successful candidate will oversee project management from conception to completion, collaborate with process, mechanical and production teams, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance in all automation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum of 9 years in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• At least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Experience with PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial networks.
• Robotics programming and integration experience is highly desirable.
• Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is a plus.
• On-site in Benoni, Gauteng full-time commitment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and commissioning of electrical automation systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA).
• Develop and maintain automation software for performance and scalability.
• Manage automation projects from scope to budget and resources.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with process, mechanical, and production teams to identify opportunities.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Develop and enforce automation standards and documentation.
• Evaluate new automation technologies for manufacturing capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support supplier selection and procurement of automation hardware/software.

Skills

Automation leadership

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networks

Robotics integration

Project management

Team mentorship

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the manufacturing and process industries, is looking for a dynamic Lead Electrical Automation Engineer to join their operations in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is central to driving innovation and efficiency in their production facilities through advanced automation solutions. The successful candidate will lead projects related to PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotics, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of automated systems. This is a hands‑on leadership position requiring extensive technical expertise and a commitment to operational excellence within the manufacturing hub of Benoni . The role requires full-time dedication on-site to effectively manage and implement critical automation upgrades.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and commissioning of complex electrical automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial networks.


• Develop and maintain automation software, ensuring robust performance, scalability, and adherence to safety standards.


• Manage automation projects from conception through to completion, including scope definition, budget management, and resource allocation.


• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of automation engineers and technicians.


• Collaborate with process engineers, mechanical engineers, and production teams to identify automation opportunities and implement solutions.


• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, minimizing downtime and optimizing production processes.


• Develop and enforce automation standards, best practices, and documentation procedures.


• Evaluate and integrate new automation technologies to enhance manufacturing capabilities.


• Ensure all automation solutions comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.


• Participate in the selection and procurement of automation hardware and software.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.


• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.


• Expertise in programming and configuration of major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA systems.


• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).


• Experience with robotics programming and integration (e.g., KUKA, ABB) is highly desirable.


• Proven project management skills and experience delivering complex automation projects.


• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective team and stakeholder collaboration.


• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is a significant advantage.


• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Benoni, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions, and excellent opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Join a leading manufacturing organization in Benoni, Gauteng , and take a leading role in shaping the future of automation technology.