Lead Electrical Automation Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Private medical cover

Retirement benefits

Flexible schedule

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Electrical Automation Engineer to design, implement and manage advanced automation systems across industrial operations with remote work from anywhere in South Africa. You will lead a team of automation specialists, drive control system innovation, integrate electrical and software across PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, robotics, and SCADA, ensuring safety and efficiency.

The role offers development opportunities, a competitive salary, and remote collaboration with cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 9+ years in industrial automation with at least 3 years in a lead/senior role.
• Extensive experience with PLC platforms (Siemens, Rockwell/AB), HMI, and SCADA.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex electrical control and automation systems for industrial processes.
• Oversee the specification, selection, and integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, robotics, and other automation hardware.
• Develop and maintain automation software, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA system configuration.
• Manage automation projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior automation engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define automation requirements and solutions for new installations and upgrades.
• Establish and enforce automation standards, best practices, and documentation protocols.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Research and evaluate new automation technologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Team mentoring

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI software

SCADA systems

Profinet

EtherNet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a frontrunner in advanced manufacturing and industrial process optimization, is seeking an exceptional Lead Electrical Automation Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is critical for designing, implementing, and managing sophisticated automation systems that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety across our client's diverse operations. Based anywhere in South Africa, you will lead a team of automation specialists, drive innovation in control systems, and ensure seamless integration of electrical and control hardware and software. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a visionary engineer to shape the future of industrial automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex electrical control and automation systems for industrial processes.
• Oversee the specification, selection, and integration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, robotics, and other automation hardware.
• Develop and maintain automation software, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA system configuration.
• Manage automation projects from concept to commissioning, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior automation engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define automation requirements and solutions for new installations and upgrades.
• Establish and enforce automation standards, best practices, and documentation protocols.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Research and evaluate new automation technologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in industrial automation engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Extensive experience with major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley), HMI software, and SCADA systems.
• Proven ability to program complex logic and develop user-friendly interfaces.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, power distribution, and motor control.
• Experience with robotics integration and industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills for effective remote teamwork.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely in South Africa, potentially coordinating with teams in the Mossel Bay region or other operational areas.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, significant performance bonuses, comprehensive private medical coverage, and excellent retirement benefits.
• You will benefit from a flexible work schedule, generous professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on industry-leading automation projects.
• Our client is committed to fostering innovation and providing a challenging yet supportive remote work environment.
• This role allows you to make a substantial impact on industrial efficiency from anywhere in South Africa, including areas near Mossel Bay, Western Cape.