PLC Programmer

Network Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment is seeking a skilled PLC Programmer to join a dynamic engineering team specializing in industrial automation and control systems. The role focuses on developing, programming, configuring, testing and commissioning PLC-based solutions to improve operational efficiency and reliability.

The candidate should have strong troubleshooting skills, hands-on experience with PLC platforms, HMI development, and the ability to travel to client sites for commissioning and support.

Qualifications

• National Diploma, BTech or degree in Electrical/Electronic/Mechatronics or related field; or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven PLC programming and industrial automation experience.
• Practical knowledge of major PLC platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, Schneider).
• Experience with HMI development and industrial communication protocols.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, modify and maintain PLC programs for industrial machinery and automated systems.
• Configure and integrate PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems and related control equipment.
• Design and implement automation solutions per project requirements.
• Conduct system testing, fault-finding, and debugging.
• Perform commissioning, installation and start-up at client sites.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Prepare programming documentation and project reports.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and safety requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Industrial protocols

Problem solving

Project coordination

Education

National Diploma/ BTech in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Relevant hands-on experience in automation

Tools

Siemens

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Mitsubishi

Schneider Electric

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available for a skilled PLC Programmer to join a dynamic engineering team specialising in industrial automation and control systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, programming, configuring, testing and commissioning PLC-based control systems to improve operational efficiency, reliability and productivity.

This role is suited to a technically minded individual with strong troubleshooting skills and practical experience in PLC programming, automation systems and industrial control applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, write, modify and maintain PLC programs for industrial machinery and automated systems.
• Configure and integrate PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems and associated control equipment.
• Design, develop and implement automation and control solutions in line with project requirements.
• Conduct system testing, fault-finding, troubleshooting and debugging.
• Perform commissioning, installation and start-up activities at client sites.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, instrumentation and control system issues.
• Interpret electrical schematics, control panel drawings and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical and project engineering teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Provide technical support, system upgrades and ongoing maintenance where required.
• Prepare and maintain programming documentation, system specifications and project reports.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable engineering standards, safety requirements and project specifications.
• Travel to client sites for commissioning, maintenance and technical support when required.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma, BTech or degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics or a related technical field; alternatively, relevant practical experience.
• Proven experience in PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Practical knowledge of at least one major PLC platform, such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Omron or Schneider Electric.
• Experience with HMI development and industrial communication protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of industrial control systems, sensors, actuators and instrumentation.
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to client sites, where required.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Step 7, Rockwell Studio 5000 or equivalent programming software.
• Exposure to SCADA systems, industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Experience with VSDs, servo drives, motion control and motor control systems.
• Electrical panel design, wiring and integration experience.
• Experience in manufacturing, process automation, mining, water treatment or material-handling applications.
• Experience with PLC system upgrades, commissioning and on-site fault-finding.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical and programming ability.
• Excellent fault-finding and troubleshooting skills.
• Logical thinking and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good communication and client-facing skills.
• Effective time management and project coordination.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and keep up with automation developments.