Remote Electrical Automation Engineer - Industrial Controls

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Generous annual leave

Online training access

Home office stipend

Company-provided equipment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Electrical Automation Engineer to join our fully remote team. You will design, program, and commission PLC/SCADA systems for international clients, boosting operational efficiency and productivity across diverse industries.

The role requires 6+ years in industrial automation, strong PLC/HMI skills (Siemens S7, Rockwell), and expertise in electrical schematics and remote support. A remote-first mindset and excellent communication are essential.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience programming major PLC platforms (Siemens S7, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of networking (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP) and safety standards (SIL).
• Remote troubleshooting and field support experience.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC/SCADA systems for industrial automation.
• Program PLC platforms and develop HMIs.
• Create electrical schematics and control panels for automated systems.
• Remote commissioning and support to technicians.
• Analyze processes for automation opportunities and efficiency improvements.
• Specify automation hardware components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in remote setting.
• Document design specifications, program code, and user manuals.
• Provide remote training to clients.
• Stay updated on latest trends in industrial automation and control systems.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Electrical principles

Industrial networking

Remote troubleshooting

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Electrical Automation Engineer to join their fully remote team. This role is crucial for developing and implementing sophisticated industrial control systems for a diverse range of clients globally. You will be responsible for designing, programming, and commissioning automated solutions that enhance operational efficiency and productivity. The ideal candidate thrives in a remote-first environment, demonstrating exceptional self-discipline, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with distributed teams. This position offers the flexibility of working from anywhere, while contributing to impactful automation projects that drive innovation in various industrial sectors. You will be a key player in transforming industrial processes through intelligent automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for industrial automation.
• Program various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron) and develop intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts for automated systems.
• Conduct remote commissioning of control systems, providing remote support and troubleshooting to on-site technicians.
• Analyze existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Specify and select automation hardware components, including sensors, actuators, drives, and safety devices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers, in a remote setting.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all automation projects, including design specifications, program code, and user manuals.
• Provide remote technical support and training to clients and end-users.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation and control systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven expertise in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering principles, industrial networking (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP), and safety standards (e.g., SIL).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues remotely.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a distributed team environment.
• Proficiency with virtual collaboration tools and remote access technologies.
• Experience with robotics integration and motion control systems is a plus.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and remote capabilities.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering excellent work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and technologically advanced projects for international clients.
• Generous annual leave allowance and paid time off.
• Access to online training platforms and professional development resources.
• Company-provided equipment and potential home office stipend.
• Contribution to a dynamic and innovative engineering culture.