Remote Industrial Automation Technician

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote position

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Industrial Automation Technician to support and maintain automated systems for clients worldwide from a home office in South Africa.

You will diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, SCADA, and drive issues remotely, while updating documentation and collaborating with on-site teams as needed. Strong problem-solving and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial automation, focusing on PLC programming and HMI development.
• Proficiency in Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or C++.

Responsibilities

• Provide remote technical support for industrial automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs).
• Remotely diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and software issues affecting automation processes.
• Perform remote configuration, programming adjustments, and system updates as needed.
• Monitor system performance and identify potential issues before production impact.
• Collaborate with on-site field service teams to guide complex issues remotely.
• Develop and maintain documentation for remote support procedures and configurations.
• Respond to urgent remote support requests within defined SLAs.
• Stay updated on advancements in automation technology and software.
• Assist in designing remote monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• Communicate technical information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

SCADA

Industrial networks

Remote troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Omron PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a highly proficient and self-motivated Remote Industrial Automation Technician to join their innovative team. This fully remote position offers the unique opportunity to support and maintain complex automation systems for clients worldwide, without the need for on-site presence for many tasks. You will be responsible for remotely diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving issues related to PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and other industrial control hardware and software. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical aptitude, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently in a remote setting. This role is critical in ensuring the continuous operation and optimization of our clients' automated processes, leveraging remote monitoring and diagnostic tools. You will contribute to maintaining the high standards of service and support that our client is known for, operating from your home office and connecting with a global network of operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide remote technical support for industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives).
• Remotely diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and software issues affecting automation processes.
• Perform remote configuration, programming adjustments, and system updates as needed.
• Monitor system performance and identify potential issues before they impact production.
• Collaborate with on-site field service teams to provide guidance and support for complex issues.
• Develop and maintain documentation for remote support procedures and system configurations.
• Respond to urgent remote support requests within defined service level agreements.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial automation technology and software.
• Assist in the design and implementation of remote monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial automation, with a focus on PLC programming and HMI development.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or C++.
• Experience with major PLC brands (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron) and SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus).
• Excellent remote troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Reliable high-speed internet connection and a dedicated home office space.
• Willingness to be available for on-call support as needed, potentially outside standard business hours.

Benefits

• Competitive salary for a remote position.
• Opportunity to work with advanced automation technologies.
• Flexible working hours within a remote setup.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Professional development and certification opportunities.
• Work from anywhere within South Africa.