Remote Lead Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 1,100,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Salary + bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Leadership development

Technical training

Challenging projects

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Industrial Automation Engineer for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will guide a team of engineers, drive design and implementation of automation solutions, and collaborate with clients virtually to define requirements and deliverables.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in automation, strong PLC/SCADA and robotics expertise, and proven leadership in remote settings. The role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Degree in electrical or automation engineering; master's preferred.
• 7+ years in industrial automation with at least 2 years in a lead role.
• Extensive PLC/SCADA experience and robotics integration.
• Strong remote leadership and ability to mentor engineers across locations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and implementation of industrial automation systems.
• Oversee and mentor a team of automation engineers with project management support.
• Develop PLC/SCADA programming, system integration, and commissioning plans.
• Collaborate with clients virtually to define requirements and deliverables.
• Ensure projects meet timelines, budget and quality standards.
• Keep abreast of advancements in robotics, AI and IoT for applicability.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics

Virtual collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networks

Robotic programming

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of industrial automation and is actively recruiting a Lead Industrial Automation Engineer for a fully remote position. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to guide and mentor a team of engineers while driving the design and implementation of cutting‑edge automation solutions from anywhere in South Africa. You will play a critical role in enhancing manufacturing efficiency, safety, and productivity through advanced technological integration. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership capabilities, deep expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and robotics, and a proven ability to manage complex automation projects in a virtual collaboration setting. Embrace the future of engineering with this exciting remote leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of industrial automation systems and solutions.
• Oversee and mentor a team of automation engineers, providing technical guidance and project management support.
• Develop and execute PLC/SCADA programming, system integration, and commissioning plans.
• Collaborate virtually with clients to define automation requirements and scope project deliverables.
• Ensure automation projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, including robotics, AI, and IoT, and assess their applicability.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including control logic, electrical schematics, and user manuals.
• Conduct remote troubleshooting and provide technical support for installed automation systems.
• Implement safety protocols and ensure compliance with industry standards for all automation projects.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement within the automation engineering team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in industrial automation engineering, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networks.
• Demonstrated experience in robotic programming and integration.
• Proven ability to manage and lead engineering teams, ideally in a remote setting.
• Strong understanding of process control, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and industry 4.0 concepts.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective virtual collaboration.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage complex projects remotely.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with technological advancements.

Benefits

• Fully remote work opportunity with flexible working hours.
• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning benefits.
• Opportunities for leadership development and advanced technical training.
• Access to challenging and impactful automation projects.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking virtual work environment.
• Generous annual leave allowance.