Remote Control Systems Engineer - Energy Grid

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Online training

Certifications

Virtual industry conferences

Remote team culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Remote Control Systems Engineer for Energy Grid operations in South Africa. You will design, implement, and maintain SCADA/PLC-based control systems, ensuring stable, secure remote monitoring of the national grid from your home office.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in industrial control, with ladder logic expertise and knowledge of IEC 61850/Modbus. This remote role offers competitive compensation and robust benefits while working with a dispersed team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with SCADA, HMI, and PLC systems.
• Proficiency in Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Knowledge of Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850 protocols.
• Remote diagnosis and independent work capability.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement SCADA and control systems for grid monitoring and management.
• Configure and program PLCs and RTUs for grid control applications.
• Establish and maintain secure network communication for remote data acquisition and control.
• Develop testing procedures for new and existing systems.
• Monitor performance, troubleshoot remotely, and implement corrective actions.
• Create and maintain system documents including network diagrams and P&IDs.
• Collaborate with field technicians and other engineering disciplines via virtual channels.
• Participate in on-call rotation for emergency support of critical grid operations.
• Research and recommend new technologies to enhance grid control and automation.
• Ensure compliance with safety and cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure.

Skills

SCADA

PLC programming

HMI

Network security

Remote troubleshooting

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Modbus

DNP3

IEC 61850

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a talented and motivated Remote Control Systems Engineer specializing in Energy Grid operations to join their forward-thinking team. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility for candidates based anywhere within South Africa . You will be instrumental in the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated control systems that ensure the stability, reliability, and efficiency of the national energy grid. This role requires a deep understanding of SCADA, PLC, and network communication protocols, as well as a strong aptitude for problem-solving in a distributed environment. You'll be working with a highly collaborative, geographically dispersed team, leveraging the latest technologies to manage and optimize critical energy infrastructure from the comfort of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement SCADA and control systems for energy grid monitoring and management.
• Configure and program PLCs and RTUs for various grid control applications.
• Establish and maintain secure network communication infrastructure for remote data acquisition and control.
• Develop and execute testing procedures for new and existing control systems.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions remotely.
• Create and maintain system documentation, including network diagrams, P&IDs, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate closely with field technicians and other engineering disciplines via virtual channels.
• Participate in on-call rotation to provide emergency support for critical grid operations.
• Research and recommend new technologies to enhance grid control and automation.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and cybersecurity standards relevant to critical infrastructure.
• Develop HMI screens and alarm management strategies for optimal operator oversight.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial control systems, specifically with SCADA, HMI, and PLC systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in industrial automation (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text).
• Solid understanding of communication protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.
• Experience with network security principles and practices for industrial control systems.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues remotely.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective remote collaboration.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision in a remote setting.
• Experience in the energy sector or with utility grid operations is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with power system protection principles is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a provident fund, and life insurance. Our client provides significant opportunities for professional development, including online training courses, certifications, and participation in virtual industry conferences. Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from home, with all necessary equipment provided. The company fosters a strong remote culture with regular virtual team-building activities and open communication channels, ensuring you remain connected and engaged while contributing to vital energy infrastructure projects across South Africa .