Process Engineer Milling

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing leader in South Africa is seeking a Senior Process Engineer with expertise in PLC and SCADA systems. The role involves ensuring system availability, operational continuity, and reducing reliance on external contractors. Ideal candidates will have strong qualifications in electrical or instrumentation trades, with a minimum of 5 years' experience in programming and automation in an industrial environment. Mentorship of junior engineers is also a key component of this role. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in PLC and SCADA programming.
• 5 years’ experience in electrical and instrumentation in an industrial environment.
• Experience in automation project delivery and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high availability of PLC, SCADA, and electrical control systems.
• Provide 24/7 support for critical production systems.
• Develop and maintain PLC and SCADA programs.
• Manage reporting platforms and ensure data integrity.
• Mentor junior engineers and support skills transfer.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Automation expertise

Electrical control systems

SQL database management

Education

Electrical or Instrumentation Trade

N4 Electrical Qualification

Diploma in Programming / Automation

Tools

Schneider software (EPE, Plant SCADA, Unity)

Omron systems

Allen Bradley systems

Siemens systems

Job description

Job Description

Senior process engineering role providing PLC, SCADA, and automation expertise across the Milling Division, ensuring system availability, operational continuity, reduced reliance on external contractors, and sustainable skills development within the business.

Job Purpose

To provide senior process engineering, PLC, SCADA, and automation expertise across the Milling Division, ensuring system availability, operational continuity, reduced reliance on external contractors, and sustainable skills development within the business.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high availability and reliability of PLC, SCADA, and electrical control systems across all milling & groceries sites
• Provide 24/7 standby support on a rotational basis for critical production systems
• Diagnose and resolve complex automation, PLC, SCADA, and electrical failures
• Commission, modify, and maintain live production systems in a controlled and compliant manner
• Develop, upgrade, and maintain PLC and SCADA programs
• Manage reporting platforms, SQL databases, and data integrity
• Support legacy and discontinued software and hardware platforms
• Ensure system standardisation in line with Premier engineering and automation standards
• Lead and support automation aspects of Capex and improvement projects
• Manage third-party system integrators and external automation service providers
• Reduce outsourced automation dependency and associated costs
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and interns
• Support structured skills transfer and succession planning
• Contribute to technical training of maintenance and operational teams

Qualification Requirements

• Electrical or Instrumentation Trade (Essential)
• N4 Electrical Qualification (Essential)
• Diploma or Qualification in Programming / Automation (Essential)
• Strong Electrical, Instrument and control systems background (Essential)
• Schneider certification (EPE, Plant Scada, Unity) (Desirable)
• Knowledge on Omron, Allen Bradley, Siemens (Desirable)
• Engineering Degree or Certified Engineer (Desirable)
• Advanced automation or industrial IT certifications (Desirable)

Experience Requirements

• 5 years’ experience on PLC and SCADA programming experience
• 5 years electrical and instrumentation experience in an industrial environment
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations
• Proven experience in automation project delivery and commissioning
• Stakeholder and third-party contractor management experience
• Experience working with legacy systems and discontinued platforms

Key Outputs

• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations
• Proven experience in automation project delivery and commissioning
• Stakeholder and third-party contractor management experience
• Experience working with legacy systems and discontinued platforms