Project Engineer - Industrial Automation Systems

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career growth

Diverse projects exposure

Team culture

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a motivated Project Engineer in George, Western Cape to drive automation projects from concept through commissioning and handover. You will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate with clients, and ensure on-time delivery within budget, while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The role requires a mechanical or electrical engineering background, at least 5 years of project experience in automation, and strong communication and travel flexibility to site locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in project engineering or project management in industrial automation.
• Experience managing complex engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems, electrical controls, PLC programming, and HMI development.
• Proficiency with project management software (MS Project, Primavera).
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage client relationships.
• Willingness to travel periodically to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of industrial automation projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timelines.
• Develop detailed project plans, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and critical path analysis.
• Coordinate with clients to define project requirements, specifications, and deliverables.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of mechanical and electrical automation solutions.
• Manage a team of engineers and technicians, providing technical direction and performance feedback.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards throughout project execution.
• Facilitate effective communication among project stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Conduct site visits for installation, commissioning, and client training as required.
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation, including progress reports, technical manuals, and as-built drawings.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during project implementation.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Problem solving

Client communication

Technical drawing interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a renowned leader in the field of industrial automation and control systems, currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Project Engineer to join their expanding team in George, Western Cape . This role is pivotal in overseeing the successful planning, execution, and delivery of complex automation projects for a diverse range of industrial clients. You will be instrumental in managing project lifecycles, from initial concept and design through to installation, commissioning, and client handover. The successful candidate will possess exceptional project management skills, a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This position offers a stimulating work environment with opportunities to work on state-of-the‑art technologies within the industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of industrial automation projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timelines.
• Develop detailed project plans, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and critical path analysis.
• Coordinate with clients to define project requirements, specifications, and deliverables.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of mechanical and electrical automation solutions.
• Manage a team of engineers and technicians, providing technical direction and performance feedback.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards throughout project execution.
• Facilitate effective communication among project stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Conduct site visits for installation, commissioning, and client training as required.
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation, including progress reports, technical manuals, and as‑built drawings.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during project implementation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project engineering or project management, preferably within the industrial automation sector.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems, electrical controls, PLC programming, and HMI development.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) is essential.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to manage client relationships effectively.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Willingness to travel periodically to project sites.
• Experience with robotics and SCADA systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Attractive remuneration package reflecting your expertise and contribution.
• Contribution to medical aid and provident fund.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in advanced automation technologies.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging projects within the industrial sector.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Potential for performance‑based bonuses.