Lead Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24

George

On-site

ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Comprehensive medical and dental plans

Retirement fund contribution

Relocation assistance may be available

Company-provided vehicle for site use

Career growth and advanced training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Industrial Automation Engineer in George to spearhead advanced automation initiatives on site. You will design, implement, and manage robotic and control systems, evaluating operations for automation opportunities to boost efficiency, safety, and quality.

You will lead a team of automation engineers and technicians, collaborating with production and maintenance to ensure seamless integration and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics or Industrial Engineering.
8+ years in industrial automation engineering, with a lead/senior role.
Experience designing, programming, commissioning PLC/HMI/SCADA systems.
Robotics programming and integration with KUKA/ABB/Fanuc.
Strong networks, control theory, and safety integrated systems.
Excellent project management including budgets and vendors.
Leadership and communication skills.
Eligible to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

Lead design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems.
Evaluate processes and identify opportunities for automation to improve efficiency, safety and quality.
Select automation technologies including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA.
Develop technical specs, project plans, and budgets for automation projects.
Manage timelines, resources, and vendors for successful delivery.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineers and technicians.
Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to integrate solutions.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in automated systems and logic.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety requirements.
Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for automation projects.
Stay current with emerging automation technologies and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Independent work

Team mentorship

Safety standards

Automation design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Industrial Eng

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Schneider SCADA

KUKA robotics

ABB robotics

Fanuc robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing industry, is actively seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Industrial Automation Engineer to spearhead automation initiatives in their George facility. This pivotal role demands a strategic leader capable of designing, implementing, and managing cutting-edge automated systems to revolutionize production lines. The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating existing operations, identifying opportunities for automation, and leading the development and deployment of complex robotic and control systems. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of automation technologies, a passion for innovation, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into tangible operational improvements. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing at our George site and contribute to significant advancements in efficiency and output. You will be joining a dedicated team committed to excellence and continuous improvement in a challenging yet rewarding industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated industrial automation and control systems.
Evaluate current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality.
Select appropriate automation technologies, including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
Develop technical specifications, project plans, and budgets for automation projects.
Manage automation project timelines, resources, and vendors to ensure successful delivery.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of automation engineers and technicians.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and engineering, to integrate automation solutions seamlessly.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to automated systems and control logic.
Ensure automation systems comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and our client's operational requirements.
Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for proposed automation projects.
Stay current with emerging automation technologies and best practices.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role.
Demonstrated experience in designing, programming, and commissioning PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems from various vendors (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric).
Proven expertise in robotics programming and integration (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc).
Strong understanding of industrial networks, control theory, and safety integrated systems.
Excellent project management skills, including experience managing budgets and external vendors.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in George .
Experience with vision systems and machine learning in industrial applications is a strong plus.
Must be eligible to work in South Africa .

Benefits