Remote Industrial Process Automation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a remote Industrial Process Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated industrial processes for global manufacturing facilities. The role emphasizes PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems, with remote collaboration across distributed teams from anywhere in South Africa.

You will develop digital twin concepts, ensure data integrity and safety, and produce technical documentation while staying current with Industry 4.0 trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years' experience in industrial process automation, including PLC programming, SCADA, and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, robotics, and sensor technologies.
• Experience with simulation software for automation design and testing.
• Proficiency in data analysis and process optimization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation strategies for new and existing industrial processes.
• Implement and configure PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for process control and monitoring.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated systems to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Develop process simulation models to test and validate automation designs before implementation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Write and maintain technical documentation including P&IDs, functional specifications, and programming standards.
• Develop and execute test plans for automated systems, ensuring functionality and safety.
• Provide remote support to on-site maintenance and engineering teams.
• Stay abreast of Industry 4.0 advancements and propose innovative solutions.
• Contribute to digital twin models for process optimization and predictive maintenance.

Skills

Automation design

Process optimization

Remote collaboration

Industrial control networks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / Industrial Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

SCADA

HMI

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in sustainable agricultural technology and is looking for a highly skilled Remote Industrial Process Automation Engineer to join their innovative team. This position will focus on the design, implementation, and optimization of automated industrial processes for our client's cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, with a primary focus on supporting operations that may be globally distributed. You will leverage your expertise in automation, control systems, and industrial engineering principles to enhance efficiency, safety, and data integrity. This is a fully remote role, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, while collaborating closely with on-site teams and contributing to significant advancements in manufacturing technology. You will play a key role in shaping the future of automated production for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation strategies for new and existing industrial processes.
• Implement and configure PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for process control and monitoring.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated systems to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Develop process simulation models to test and validate automation designs before implementation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and operations personnel, to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Write and maintain detailed technical documentation, including P&IDs, functional specifications, and programming standards.
• Develop and execute test plans for automated systems, ensuring functionality and safety.
• Provide remote support and guidance to on-site maintenance and engineering teams.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial automation technology and propose innovative solutions.
• Contribute to the development of digital twin models for process optimization and predictive maintenance.
• Ensure automation solutions meet all relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial process automation, including PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), SCADA, and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, robotics, and sensor technologies.
• Experience with simulation software for automation design and testing.
• Proficiency in data analysis and process optimization techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on system-level thinking.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively work in a remote team environment.
• Experience with networking protocols used in industrial environments (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet).
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and IIoT platforms is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• A portfolio of successfully implemented automation projects is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package for this fully remote position. This includes a substantial base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance coverage. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including access to cutting-edge training, certifications, and conferences. Employees enjoy a flexible work schedule and a generous annual leave allowance. Our client fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, offering a dynamic and rewarding work experience from the comfort of your own location.