About the Role
Our client is looking for an innovative and experienced Remote Electrical Design Engineer with a specialization in automation to join their globally distributed team. This role is based out of Paarl, Western Cape but is a fully remote position, offering you the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be responsible for designing and developing sophisticated electrical control systems and automation solutions for a variety of industrial applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and industrial networking. We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive engineer who can thrive in a remote work setting, effectively collaborating with team members across different time zones. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects without the need for physical relocation.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement electrical schematics and control system architectures for automated processes.
- Program and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron) and HMI/SCADA systems.
- Select and specify automation components, sensors, actuators, and drives.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control narratives, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams.
- Collaborate remotely with clients and internal teams to define project requirements and ensure successful project delivery.
- Conduct virtual FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) and support SATs (Site Acceptance Tests) remotely.
- Research and recommend new automation technologies to enhance system performance and efficiency.
- Ensure all designs adhere to relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
- Provide technical support and training to remote field service teams.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and best practices within a remote-first environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in electrical design and automation engineering.
- Proven expertise in PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text) and HMI/SCADA software development.
- Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
- Experience with electrical CAD software for schematic generation.
- Excellent communication skills, particularly in a remote collaboration context.
- Self-motivated and able to manage workload effectively in a remote setup.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting complex automation systems.
- Familiarity with safety standards related to industrial automation (e.g., IEC 61508).
- Experience with robotic integration is a plus.
Benefits
- Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility.
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Home office setup allowance.
- Access to cutting-edge automation technologies and challenging international projects.
- Opportunities for professional growth and specialized training.
- Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
- Contribution to medical aid and retirement savings plans.
- Collaborative and supportive virtual team environment.