Remote Automation Engineer – PLC, SCADA & Robotics

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

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.