Remote Automation Engineer: Smart Manufacturing & Robotics

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Home office stipend

Professional development budget

Retirement plan with company match

Generous PTO

Remote work autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer to lead remote automation projects. You will design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems while developing robotic integration and ensuring seamless hardware-software interaction across global teams.

The role requires a strong background in PLC programming, robotics, and industrial protocols, with a focus on remote collaboration and documentation. A secure home office and global project exposure are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proven expertise in programming PLC platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with industrial robotics (FANUC, KUKA, ABB) and related programming environments.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).
• Proficiency in CAD software for electrical and mechanical design.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication for remote collaboration and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation applications.
• Develop and implement robotic systems, including path planning and integration with machinery.
• Specify and select automation hardware and software components per project requirements.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues remotely, providing timely solutions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and operations teams to ensure project success.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation (P&IDs, schematics, manuals).
• Stay current with trends in industrial automation and smart manufacturing.
• Participate in virtual design reviews and provide technical guidance.
• Implement and optimize data acquisition and analysis for performance monitoring.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics

Industrial protocols

CAD

Problem solving

Communication

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI software

SCADA software

CAD software

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Modbus

Job description

Placements24 seeks an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer to lead remote automation projects. You will design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems while developing robotic integration and ensuring seamless hardware-software interaction across global teams.

The role requires a strong background in PLC programming, robotics, and industrial protocols, with a focus on remote collaboration and documentation. A secure home office and global project exposure are offered.