Remote Industrial Automation Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Generous annual leave

Continuous training and certifications

Attend virtual industry conferences

Flexible working hours

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Remote Industrial Automation Specialist to design, implement, and maintain advanced automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA) for clients across industries in South Africa. The role is fully remote, requiring strong remote support, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration with engineers and clients.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in industrial automation, hands-on PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell), HMI/SCADA expertise, and robotics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years hands-on experience in industrial automation with PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell), HMI design and SCADA systems.
• Proven experience with robotic programming and integration (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc).
• Ability to design and implement complex automation solutions from concept to completion.
• Excellent troubleshooting and remote problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for virtual collaboration.
• Must have reliable internet and a dedicated home office setup.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement automation solutions including PLC programming, HMI, and SCADA integration.
• Provide remote technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for existing systems.
• Develop and optimize control strategies to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in manufacturing.
• Collaborate with engineers, PMs, and clients to define automation requirements and deliver solutions.
• Conduct virtual system audits and performance analyses to identify improvements.
• Develop documentation including design specs and user manuals; provide training materials.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Robotic integration

Remote troubleshooting

Strong communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

HMI design

SCADA software

ABB/KUKA/Fanuc robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in industrial automation solutions and is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Remote Industrial Automation Specialist to join their expanding virtual team. This role is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, while supporting clients across various industries in optimizing their manufacturing processes. The specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and robotic systems. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage your expertise in a forward-thinking company that champions remote work and technological innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement industrial automation solutions, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA system integration.
• Provide remote technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for existing automation systems.
• Develop and optimize control strategies to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, project managers, and clients, to define automation requirements and deliver solutions.
• Conduct virtual system audits and performance analyses to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and training materials.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial automation technology and industry best practices.
• Lead virtual training sessions for client personnel on the operation and maintenance of automation systems.
• Ensure that all implemented solutions comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Participate in project planning and resource allocation for remote automation projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation, with a strong focus on PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), HMI design, and SCADA systems.
• Proven experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g., ABB, KUKA, Fanuc).
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement complex automation solutions from concept to completion.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues remotely.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and colleagues virtually.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office setup conducive to remote work.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet stringent deadlines.
• Experience with process simulation software is a plus.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous annual leave allowance.
• Our client invests heavily in employee development, providing access to continuous training, certifications, and opportunities to attend virtual industry conferences.
• You will have the flexibility to set your own working hours within business needs, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
• Our client offers the chance to work on challenging and innovative projects with a globally distributed team, contributing to the advancement of automation technology.
• Performance-based bonuses and stock options are also available for high-achieving employees.
• This is a prime opportunity for a talented automation professional seeking a fully remote career.