Lead Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Modern facilities in Tembisa

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng's industrial heartland seeks a Lead Industrial Automation Engineer in Tembisa to oversee design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems across our production facilities.

You will drive efficiency, improve product quality, ensure safety, and lead a team of automation technicians and engineers, collaborating with production, engineering, and maintenance to deliver reliable, scalable automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Computer Engineering or closely related field.
• 8+ years in industrial automation with leadership/lead engineer experience.
• Proficiency in Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with robotic programming (FANUC/KUKA) is highly desirable.
• Strong industrial networking knowledge (Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of automation systems (PLCs, HMI, robotics, SCADA).
• Manage automation projects from concept to commissioning within budget.
• Develop automation strategies to increase OEE and reduce manual intervention.
• Provide technical guidance to automation technicians and engineers.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues to minimise downtime.
• Collaborate with production, engineering and maintenance to integrate solutions.
• Maintain documentation (P&IDs, diagrams, schematics) for automation systems.
• Stay updated on automation advances and implement upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations for industrial automation.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics integration

Industrial networking

Project leadership

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics or Computer Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA software

Fanuc/KUKA robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding manufacturing leader in Tembisa, Gauteng , is actively seeking a talented and experienced Lead Industrial Automation Engineer. This crucial position is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems within our advanced production facilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, improving product quality, and ensuring the safety and reliability of our automated manufacturing processes. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to a forward-thinking organization committed to technological innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMI, robotics, and SCADA systems.
• Manage automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring timely and budget-compliant execution.
• Develop and implement automation strategies to enhance production efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to a team of automation technicians and engineers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to integrate automation solutions seamlessly.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation for automation systems, including P&IDs, logic diagrams, and electrical schematics.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology and industry best practices, recommending and implementing suitable upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and standards related to industrial automation and electrical systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering, with a significant portion in a leadership or lead engineer role.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g., FANUC, KUKA) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
• Proven ability to manage complex automation projects and lead technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Experience in the manufacturing or industrial sector is essential.

Benefits

• Our client is pleased to offer a highly competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits include a leading medical aid plan, a generous retirement fund, and life insurance coverage.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, specialized training programs, and career advancement within a growing company are readily available.
• Employees benefit from working in a technologically advanced and supportive environment in Tembisa, Gauteng , with access to modern facilities.