Remote Automation Engineer - Industrial Controls

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote work stipend

Equipment allowance

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Remote Automation Engineer to join a distributed engineering team. The role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing automated control systems for manufacturing processes from a remote location.

Required are 4+ years in industrial automation, proficiency with major PLC platforms, and experience with HMI/SCADA software. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits with the flexibility of remote work across the nation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering, remote project execution.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial applications.
• Develop automation solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Perform remote troubleshooting and provide technical support for installed systems.
• Collaborate with client engineering teams to define project requirements and scope.
• Create design documentation including schematics, sequences, and system diagrams.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Stay current with automation advances, including IIoT and cloud-based solutions.
• Develop and execute test plans to ensure functionality and performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and standards.
• Ensure designs comply with safety standards and regulations.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Remote Automation Engineer to join their distributed engineering team. This role is crucial for designing, developing, and implementing automated control systems for various manufacturing and industrial processes. As a remote employee, you will leverage your expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients nationwide. The ideal candidate possesses strong problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of industrial control hardware and software, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual environment. You will be instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and reliability for our diverse clientele, all while enjoying the flexibility of working from your preferred location. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of industrial automation from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for a wide range of industrial applications.
• Develop innovative automation solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Conduct remote troubleshooting and provide technical support for installed automation systems.
• Collaborate with client engineering teams and project managers to define project requirements and scope.
• Create detailed design documentation, including electrical schematics, sequence of operations, and system architecture diagrams.
• Perform root cause analysis on automation system failures and implement effective solutions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automation technology, including robotics, IIoT, and cloud-based solutions.
• Develop and execute test plans for automation systems to ensure functionality and performance.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and standards.
• Ensure all automation designs comply with safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering, with a significant portion focused on remote project execution .
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), Siemens, or similar.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing complex automation issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and independently in a remote team environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for client interaction and team collaboration.
• Familiarity with industrial safety standards and risk assessment.
• Must have a dedicated home office with high-speed internet connectivity.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary commensurate with expertise.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement options.
• Generous allowance for home office equipment and internet services.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, certifications, and attending virtual conferences.
• Flexible work schedule to promote work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging automation projects.