Remote Lead Control Systems Engineer - Power Grid Automation

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health insurance

Professional development

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Remote Lead Control Systems Engineer to join their automation team. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced control systems for power grid automation from a remote location based in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

The candidate should have 8+ years in control systems, leadership experience, and deep knowledge of SCADA, PLC, DCS, and HMI in the energy sector, with strong strategic thinking and mentoring abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years in control systems engineering with at least 3 years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with SCADA, PLC, DCS, HMI in the Energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, integration, and commissioning of advanced control systems for power grid automation.
• Architect robust and scalable solutions for SCADA, HMI, PLC, and DCS platforms.
• Oversee cybersecurity measures for control systems to protect critical infrastructure.
• Manage and mentor a team of control systems engineers, providing technical guidance.
• Collaborate with grid operations, IT, and hardware teams for seamless system integration.
• Develop engineering standards, best practices, and documentation procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system performance issues.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance grid automation capabilities.
• Conduct system performance analysis and optimization.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Project management

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SCADA

PLC

DCS

HMI

Industrial cybersecurity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Remote Lead Control Systems Engineer to join their advanced automation team. This is a fully remote position, based out of Vereeniging, Gauteng , and is critical for the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated control systems for power grid automation. You will lead a team of engineers, architecting robust solutions that enhance grid stability, reliability, and efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in SCADA, PLC, DCS, and real-time control systems within the power industry, coupled with strong leadership and strategic thinking capabilities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned engineer to shape the future of energy infrastructure from a remote location, driving innovation and ensuring the seamless operation of critical systems. We are looking for a proactive leader who can guide technical direction and mentor a talented engineering group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, integration, and commissioning of advanced control systems for power grid automation.
• Architect robust and scalable solutions for SCADA, HMI, PLC, and DCS platforms.
• Oversee the implementation of cybersecurity measures for control systems to protect critical infrastructure.
• Manage and mentor a team of control systems engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including grid operations, IT, and hardware engineers, to ensure seamless system integration.
• Develop and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and documentation procedures for control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to control system performance and reliability.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and solutions to enhance grid automation capabilities.
• Conduct system performance analysis and recommend optimization strategies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols related to power systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in control systems engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with SCADA, PLC, DCS, and HMI systems specifically within the Energy sector (power generation, transmission, or distribution).
• Strong knowledge of grid automation technologies, substation automation, and communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in control systems (e.g., ladder logic, structured text).
• Experience with cybersecurity principles for industrial control systems.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote team environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects from inception to completion.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan and other benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and leadership in a critical sector.
• The flexibility of a fully remote role, contributing to the Energy sector's advancements from anywhere, with focus on impact for the Vereeniging region.
• Work on cutting-edge grid modernization projects.