Remote Automation Specialist

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work benefits

Medical and retirement plans

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Remote Automation Specialist to design, implement, and maintain automated control systems for manufacturing across South Africa, including sites near Vereeniging. This remote role demands strong self-discipline, clear communication, and proven project management skills.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or CS with 6+ years in industrial automation, plus expertise in PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and robotics integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Eng, Mechatronics or CS.
• Minimum 6 years in industrial automation and control systems.
• Strong PLC/HMI/SCADA and robotics experience.
• Comfortable working remotely with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement automated control systems for manufacturing.
• Configure and program PLCs, HMIs and SCADA systems.
• Remotely troubleshoot and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with on-site teams to commission solutions.
• Create and maintain system documentation.
• Analyze performance remotely and identify optimizations.
• Keep up with new automation technologies and propose adoption.
• Provide remote support and training to staff.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety.

Skills

Remote teamwork

Project management

Troubleshooting

Communication

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / CS

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA software

KUKA robotics

ABB robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking manufacturing company with a significant footprint across South Africa, is seeking a highly skilled Remote Automation Specialist. This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance production efficiency and operational performance. As a fully remote position, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional self-discipline, communication skills, and a proven ability to manage projects effectively from a distance. You will be instrumental in leveraging cutting-edge automation technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement across our various production sites, including those near **Vereeniging**. The role requires a deep understanding of industrial control systems, robotics, and software integration. We are committed to fostering a remote-first culture and are looking for an expert who can thrive in this environment, contributing to our operational excellence without requiring physical presence at a specific office. Your expertise will be key in modernizing our automated manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated control systems and solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Configure and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to automated systems remotely, minimizing production downtime.
• Collaborate with on-site engineering teams to integrate and commission new automation solutions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system designs, programming code, and operating manuals.
• Conduct remote analysis of system performance and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and propose their adoption where beneficial.
• Provide remote technical support and training to maintenance and operational staff.
• Ensure all automation solutions comply with industry standards and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC brands (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with robotics programming and integration (e.g., KUKA, ABB).
• Strong understanding of network protocols used in industrial automation.
• Excellent remote troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills for effective remote teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and work independently in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes relevant to industries near **Vereeniging** is an advantage.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary, a performance-based bonus, and comprehensive remote work benefits.
• Our client provides top-tier medical and retirement plans, as well as generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including online courses and certifications, are a core part of the offering.
• This role provides unparalleled flexibility and the chance to work on exciting automation projects from anywhere, contributing significantly to our client's technological advancement.