Remote Lead Automation Engineer - PLC & SCADA Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company匹配

Professional growth & conferences

International projects and travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Remote Lead Automation Engineer to spearhead PLC and SCADA projects from a global delivery model. You will mentor a remote team, drive engineering standards, and ensure on-time delivery across diverse industrial applications.

The role requires a strong background in Siemens S7-1500, Rockwell ControlLogix, and modern SCADA platforms, with excellent self-management and communication in a fully remote South Africa environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics or closely related field.
• 8+ years in industrial automation with 3+ years in lead/senior role.
• Hands-on experience with PLC/SCADA platforms and HMI development.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of PLC and SCADA systems for varied industrial applications.
• Mentor and manage a remote team of automation engineers and technicians.
• Develop timelines, budgets, and resource plans for projects.

Skills

Remote leadership

PLC/SCADA experience

Team mentoring

Project lifecycle management

HMI development

Industrial networking

ICS cybersecurity awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens S7-1500

Rockwell ControlLogix

Wonderware

Ignition

WinCC

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in industrial process control and automation, is actively seeking a seasoned and visionary Remote Lead Automation Engineer. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will spearhead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation solutions, focusing heavily on PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cross-functional departments to deliver state-of-the-art projects. This role demands a deep understanding of automation principles, exceptional leadership qualities, and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion in a virtual environment. We are looking for an innovator who can drive efficiency and productivity for our clients worldwide through sophisticated automation strategies. This position is based remotely, requiring excellent self-management and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of complex PLC and SCADA systems for various industrial applications.
• Manage and mentor a team of automation engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performing remote work culture.
• Develop and maintain project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans for automation projects.
• Oversee the programming, configuration, and testing of PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA software packages.
• Conduct in-depth system analysis and troubleshooting of existing automation infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and resolve issues.
• Develop and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and documentation protocols for automation projects.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand their requirements, provide technical expertise, and ensure project success.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation, proposing innovative solutions.
• Ensure all designs and implementations comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and reports to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial automation, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior engineering role.
• Extensive hands-on experience with multiple PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7-1500, Rockwell ControlLogix) and SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC).
• Proficiency in HMI development, industrial networking (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP), and database management.
• Demonstrated experience in leading project teams and managing project lifecycles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, essential for a remote role.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage priorities effectively, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex automation projects.
• Experience with simulation software and cybersecurity for industrial control systems is advantageous.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility.
• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, certifications, and attending industry conferences.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and challenging international projects.
• Annual leave and paid time off.