Remote Automation Engineer - Mine Operations Control

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Flexible remote work

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Remote Automation Engineer to support mining tech operations from East London in a remote-first setup. The role centers on developing and optimizing automated processes for enhanced safety, efficiency, and data integrity across mining environments.

You will design and commission PLC/SCADA/HMI systems, develop control logic, and troubleshoot remotely, collaborating with site teams while adhering to SIS principles and industry standards.

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science or related field.
• 7+ years in industrial automation, preferably mining/heavy industry.
• Programming PLCs and SCADA/HMI with major platforms.
• Strong networking knowledge and remote troubleshooting ability.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for mining equipment.
• Develop and maintain control logic, safety interlocks, and sequences.
• Troubleshoot automation issues remotely to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with site teams to implement automation solutions.
• Create and manage design docs, P&IDs, and manuals.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

Industrial networking

Remote troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Communication

SIS principles

Education

BEng or BSc in Electrical Eng / related

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley

Wonderware

Ignition

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the mining technology sector, is actively seeking a skilled and experienced Remote Automation Engineer to join their distributed global team, supporting operations from East London. This fully remote role is designed for an expert in industrial automation and control systems, focusing on the development, implementation, and optimization of automated processes within mining environments. The successful candidate will work with cutting‑edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and data integrity, contributing to the digitalization of mining. This position offers the flexibility of a remote‑first work arrangement while providing a challenging and impactful career path within the innovative South African mining landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for mining equipment and processes.
• Develop and maintain control logic, safety interlocks, and operational sequences for automated systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues remotely, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with site-based teams to understand operational needs and implement appropriate automation solutions.
• Develop and manage documentation, including functional design specifications, P&IDs, and operating manuals.
• Integrate various automation systems with higher-level manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies, including IIoT, AI, and machine learning applications in mining.
• Participate in remote project planning, execution, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure all automation designs and implementations adhere to industry standards and safety protocols.
• Provide remote technical support and training to site personnel as needed.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in industrial automation, with specific experience in the mining or heavy industry sectors.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Allen‑Bradley).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI software packages (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex automation systems remotely.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for a remote team environment.
• Experience with robotics, vision systems, or AI/ML applications is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setup.
• Understanding of safety instrumented systems (SIS) principles.

Benefits

• This unique remote opportunity offers a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a comprehensive benefits package including private health insurance and a generous retirement contribution.
• Employees also benefit from continuous learning opportunities, access to state-of-the-art remote work tools, and the flexibility to work from anywhere.
• Our client is committed to fostering innovation and providing a supportive remote work culture, offering significant career advancement for skilled professionals in the South African mining technology sector.