Remote Automation Engineer - Process Control

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Home office setup support

Professional development programs

Industry conferences

Flexible working hours

Remote-first work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Automation Engineer specializing in Process Control to design, develop, and implement advanced automation solutions for process industries. This remote-first role involves programming PLC/DCS/SCADA, tuning controllers, integrating sensors and actuators, and delivering projects from concept through commissioning.

You will collaborate with clients and distributed engineering teams across time zones, maintain thorough documentation, ensure safety compliance, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in process automation focusing on control systems.
• Expertise in major PLC platforms and DCS systems.
• Strong SCADA/HMI experience with Ignition/Wonderware/WinCC.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and program PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems for process control.
• Develop and implement advanced control strategies, including PID tuning and optimization.
• Integrate sensors and actuators into automated systems.
• Provide remote troubleshooting and technical support for existing systems.
• Conduct remote commissioning and validation of control systems.
• Collaborate with clients to define scope and manage expectations.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation and diagrams.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in process automation.
• Participate in virtual project meetings and contribute to problem-solving sessions.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards in all designs.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

DCS platforms

HMI development

Process instrumentation

Real-time data acquisition

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Simulation software

Industrial networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

Emerson PLC

Ignition SCADA

Wonderware SCADA

WinCC SCADA

OPC UA

Modbus

Profibus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in industrial process optimization, is seeking a highly skilled Remote Automation Engineer specializing in Process Control. This fully remote role is essential for designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality in various process industries. You will work collaboratively with clients and internal engineering teams across different time zones, leveraging your expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and DCS platforms. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of process automation principles, and the ability to deliver complex projects from conception to completion in a virtual environment. This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of industrial automation from the comfort of your home office, contributing to significant improvements in operational performance for major industrial players. Our client is committed to fostering a remote-first culture that prioritizes innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and program PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems for process control applications.
• Develop and implement advanced control strategies, including PID tuning and optimization.
• Integrate various industrial hardware components, sensors, and actuators into automated systems.
• Provide remote troubleshooting and technical support for existing automation systems.
• Conduct remote commissioning and validation of control systems to ensure performance and compliance.
• Collaborate with clients to gather requirements, define project scope, and manage expectations.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including functional design specifications and logic diagrams.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in process automation.
• Participate in virtual project meetings and contribute to technical discussions and problem-solving sessions.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations in all automation designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process automation engineering, with a focus on control systems.
• Proven expertise in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Emerson) and DCS systems.
• Strong experience with SCADA software (e.g., Ignition, Wonderware, WinCC) and HMI development.
• Solid understanding of process instrumentation, control loops, and real-time data acquisition.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills applicable to complex industrial processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills for effective remote collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with simulation software and model-based control is advantageous.
• Knowledge of industrial network protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus, Profibus).

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund contributions. We provide support for home office setup and ongoing professional development, including access to advanced training programs and industry conferences. Flexible working hours and a truly remote work arrangement promote an excellent work-life balance. Opportunities for advancement to senior engineering and technical lead positions. Regular virtual team events and a culture of mutual support.