Remote Lead Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive remote salary

Health insurance

Home office allowance

Flexible hours across time zones

Professional development opportunities

Global network access

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a highly skilled Lead Industrial Automation Engineer for a fully remote position, supporting multiple clients across locations. This leadership role designs, implements, and maintains automated systems, overseeing projects from concept to commissioning while guiding distributed teams.

You will mentor engineers, drive innovation with PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, and cybersecurity practices, and ensure reliable, scalable operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• 8+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation with at least 3 years in a lead role.
• Strong PLC programming experience (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA expertise.
• Proven track record delivering complex automation projects across diverse industries.
• Knowledge of robotics, machine vision and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and remote team management skills.
• Proficiency with remote collaboration and project management tools.
• Desirable familiarity with cybersecurity in industrial control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of automation solutions (PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics).
• Oversee full lifecycle from requirements to commissioning and validation.
• Create detailed technical documentation including control logic and schematics.
• Mentor and guide a team of automation engineers.
• Collaborate with clients' engineering and operations teams to tailor solutions.
• Troubleshoot remote issues to minimize downtime.
• Research and adopt new automation technologies to improve efficiency.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics

Machine vision

Industrial networking

Leadership

Project management

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA software

Industrial networking protocols

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Industrial Automation Engineer for a fully remote position, supporting operations across various locations. This is a critical leadership role focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining automated industrial systems. You will be responsible for overseeing complex automation projects, from initial concept and design through to commissioning and ongoing support. As a remote-first leader, you will drive innovation and efficiency by leveraging cutting-edge automation technologies. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and performance of our clients' automated manufacturing and production facilities, all while working from the convenience of your own home office. This role demands a proactive approach, strong technical leadership, and excellent communication skills to manage distributed teams and stakeholders effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of industrial automation solutions, including PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotics systems.
• Oversee the entire project lifecycle for automation initiatives, from requirements gathering and system specification to implementation, testing, and validation.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including control logic, electrical schematics, and user manuals.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of automation engineers, fostering their professional growth.
• Collaborate closely with clients' engineering and operations teams to understand their needs and deliver tailored automation solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues with automated systems remotely, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Research and recommend new automation technologies and best practices to enhance system capabilities and efficiency.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure successful project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI/SCADA software, and industrial networking protocols.
• Proven track record of successfully designing and implementing complex automation systems in diverse industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of robotics, machine vision, and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills, with the ability to lead effectively in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in using remote collaboration and project management tools.
• Experience with cybersecurity principles in industrial control systems is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remote salary package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous allowance for home office setup and ongoing expenses.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones and personal needs.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, certifications, and virtual training.
• Access to a global network of industry professionals and cutting-edge technology.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan contributions.