Principal Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

International travel opportunities

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Principal Industrial Automation Engineer to lead advanced automation initiatives across manufacturing operations. The role focuses on designing, deploying, and optimizing robotic, PLC, SCADA, and MES solutions to drive efficiency and reliability.

You will mentor automation engineers, develop standards, and work with cross-functional teams on project scopes. A Master’s degree and 12+ years in automation are expected, with expertise in Siemens, Rockwell, KUKA, ABB,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with lead or principal capacity.
• Expert knowledge of PLC programming, robotics, and HMI/SCADA development.
• Experience with industrial network protocols and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement automation roadmaps for manufacturing processes.
• Design, program, and commission robotic and PLC-based control systems.
• Lead integration of SCADA, HMI, and MES for data visibility.
• Evaluate automation technologies and manage vendors.
• Troubleshoot complex systems and minimize downtime.
• Maintain automation standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments on project scopes.
• Stay updated on emerging automation tech and trends.
• Conduct system audits and performance analyses for optimization.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

SCADA development

HMI development

MES systems

Industrial protocols

Functional safety

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

Siemens

Rockwell

KUKA

ABB

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialized industrial equipment manufacturing, is seeking a distinguished Principal Industrial Automation Engineer for their facility in Durban . This senior role is responsible for architecting and deploying advanced automation solutions across our client's manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial control strategies, driving the next generation of intelligent manufacturing. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape automation initiatives, implement cutting-edge technologies, and lead a team of talented engineers in a highly innovative environment. Be at the forefront of industrial automation in Durban and contribute to a company renowned for its technological prowess and commitment to efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic automation roadmaps for manufacturing processes.
• Design, program, and commission complex robotic and PLC-based control systems.
• Lead the integration of SCADA, HMI, and MES systems to ensure seamless data flow and operational visibility.
• Evaluate and select appropriate automation technologies and vendors.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, minimizing downtime.
• Develop and maintain automation standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineering teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to define automation requirements and project scopes.
• Stay abreast of emerging automation technologies and industry trends.
• Conduct system audits and performance analyses to ensure optimal operation and identify areas for enhancement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with a significant portion in a principal or lead capacity.
• Expert-level knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), robotics (e.g., KUKA, ABB), and HMI/SCADA development.
• Proven experience with industrial network protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong understanding of functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508).
• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale automation projects from concept to commissioning.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience in the petrochemical or food & beverage industry is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive executive benefits package including private health insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, and significant performance bonuses. Opportunities for international travel, continuous professional development, and participation in pioneering technology projects are abundant. This role provides a unique chance to lead innovation in automation within our client's operations in Durban .