Remote Lead Industrial Automation Technician

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

Training

Remote culture

Retirement plan

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Industrial Automation Technician for a fully remote role based in South Africa. You will lead remote support, diagnose complex automation issues, and guide junior technicians while maintaining high system reliability.

Responsibilities include preventative maintenance, upgrade planning, and cross-team collaboration with clients to ensure successful project outcomes. A strong PLC background and fault diagnosis skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years hands-on experience in installing and troubleshooting industrial automation systems.
• Expertise in at least one major PLC platform (Siemens or Allen-Bradley).
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP.
• Remote diagnostic and remote-access troubleshooting experience.
• Excellent communication and ability to explain complex issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex automation issues remotely.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians.
• Develop preventative maintenance schedules to minimize downtime.
• Plan upgrades and system assessments to meet evolving client needs.
• Collaborate with project managers and clients to ensure delivery.
• Document procedures and configurations accurately.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial networking

Remote diagnostics

Mentorship

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Mechatronics diploma

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Industrial networking tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Lead Industrial Automation Technician to join their rapidly growing, fully remote team. This pivotal role involves providing expert technical support, guidance, and project leadership for a diverse range of automation systems deployed across various industries. You will be instrumental in ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency of our client's automated systems, all while working from the comfort of your own home office. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a remote-first environment, possesses exceptional problem-solving skills, and is committed to delivering outstanding technical expertise. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in automation technology and a passion for continuous improvement. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects and advance your career in a supportive and forward-thinking organization located in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA , though the role is fully remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical issues related to industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, and network infrastructure, via remote access tools.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians and field engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules and strategies to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency for client systems.
• Conduct remote system assessments, performance tuning, and upgrade planning to ensure systems meet evolving client needs and technological advancements.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineering teams, and clients to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Document technical procedures, troubleshooting guides, and system configurations accurately and comprehensively.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology and industry best practices, recommending innovative solutions to enhance service offerings.
• Manage and prioritize multiple technical support requests and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely resolution and adherence to service level agreements.
• Participate in on-call rotation for critical system support, as required, leveraging remote access capabilities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting industrial automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics).
• Demonstrable expertise in at least one major PLC platform (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and associated programming software.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP).
• Proven experience with remote diagnostic tools and methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• A relevant technical degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate different time zones and urgent support needs.
• A stable internet connection and a dedicated home office space conducive to productivity and confidentiality.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and ongoing training.
• Access to cutting-edge automation technologies and tools.
• A supportive and collaborative remote work culture that values work-life balance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.