Lead Electrical Automation Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Annual bonus

Professional development

Remote work flexibility

Access to design tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Automation Engineer to join their remote-first team in South Africa. You will drive design, development, and deployment of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems across diverse industrial applications, while mentoring a skilled automation group.

Remote work enables flexible hours and distributed collaboration as you lead projects, ensure safety and reliability, and stay ahead with IoT, AI, and machine learning integration in industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial automation with PLC, SCADA, and HMI expertise.
• Experience leading automation projects and mentoring engineers.
• Strong knowledge of electrical schematics, panel design, and industrial networking.
• Excellent remote communication and self-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, configuration, and commissioning of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Develop automation strategies to boost efficiency and productivity.
• Guide electrical design aspects including panel layouts and wiring.
• Collaborate remotely with clients and stakeholders to define requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to the automation team.
• Troubleshoot complex systems and minimize downtime.
• Stay updated on automation tech including IoT, AI, and ML applications.
• Document programming code, network diagrams, and user manuals.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA development

HMI development

Project leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell Automation

EPLAN

SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an exceptional Lead Electrical Automation Engineer to join their innovative team in a **fully remote** capacity. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of industrial automation from anywhere within South Africa. The role involves leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation and control systems for a variety of industrial applications. You will be instrumental in driving efficiency, improving operational performance, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability. As a remote-first organization, we provide the tools and support necessary for you to excel in your role, fostering collaboration and innovation across distributed teams. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives in a flexible work environment and is passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve complex challenges. If you are a visionary engineer ready to make a significant impact, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design, configuration, and commissioning of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for diverse industrial processes.
• Develop and implement robust automation strategies to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• Lead the electrical design aspects of automation projects, including panel layouts, wiring schematics, and component selection.
• Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders remotely to define project requirements and deliver tailored solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of automation engineers, fostering best practices and continuous improvement.
• Troubleshoot complex automation system issues remotely, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in automation technology, including IoT, AI, and machine learning applications in industry.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for automation systems, including programming code, network diagrams, and user manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in industrial automation, with a focus on PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), SCADA, and HMI development.
• Proven experience in leading automation projects and mentoring engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, control panel design, and industrial networking.
• Expertise in troubleshooting and debugging complex automation systems.
• Excellent remote communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work setting.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ISA, IEC) and safety protocols.
• Candidates must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office setup suitable for remote work.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, reflecting your senior expertise and remote work flexibility.
• Generous annual bonus structure tied to project success and company performance.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Significant opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attending virtual conferences.
• Flexible working hours and the ability to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Access to the latest simulation and design tools.
• A supportive and collaborative remote team culture.