Remote Automation Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Remote Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced automation systems for diverse clients. This fully remote role leverages PLC programming, SCADA, and HMI expertise to optimize production across facilities, including sites near Rustenburg, North West.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, perform virtual commissioning, and ensure safety compliance while delivering reliable remote support and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science or related field.
• 5+ years in industrial automation with PLC programming focus (Siemens, Rockwell).
• Proficiency in SCADA and HMI development platforms.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong remote troubleshooting and system integration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and implement industrial automation systems using PLCs, SCADA, and HMI software.
• Develop and maintain documentation for automation projects, including system architecture, logic, and user manuals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues remotely with timely support to sites.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers and production managers to define automation requirements.
• Research and recommend new automation technologies and best practices to enhance performance.
• Conduct virtual commissioning and testing of automation systems.
• Optimize automation processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Develop and implement robotic solutions where applicable.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards and regulations.
• Provide remote technical training and support to site personnel.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA

HMI development

Remote troubleshooting

System integration

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Robotics programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

SCADA platforms

HMI platforms

Profinet / Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in industrial automation and manufacturing solutions, is revolutionizing how production lines operate and is seeking an innovative Remote Automation Engineer . This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation systems and software solutions for our diverse client base. This role demands a creative thinker with a strong technical background in automation, PLC programming, and system integration. You will work collaboratively with remote teams to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance production capabilities across various manufacturing sectors, specifically supporting our operations that may involve facilities near Rustenburg, North West , among others.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and implement industrial automation systems using PLCs, SCADA, and HMI software.
• Develop and maintain documentation for automation projects, including system architecture, logic, and user manuals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues remotely, providing timely support to manufacturing sites.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and production managers, to define automation requirements.
• Research and recommend new automation technologies and best practices to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Conduct virtual commissioning and testing of automation systems.
• Optimize existing automation processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Develop and implement robotic solutions where applicable.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards and regulations.
• Provide remote technical training and support to site personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation, with a strong focus on PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell).
• Proficiency in SCADA and HMI development platforms.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and debug complex automation systems remotely.
• Excellent understanding of control system design and integration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for remote teamwork.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office setup.
• Experience with robotics programming is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package designed to attract top talent for this critical remote role.
• comprehensive health insurance
• a retirement savings plan
• generous paid time off
• Continuous learning and professional development are encouraged, with opportunities to attend virtual conferences and training sessions.

Join our client and shape the future of manufacturing from the comfort of your home office.