Remote Process Automation Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Process Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated control systems for manufacturing. You will utilize PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA to improve efficiency, product quality, and safety from a home office, collaborating with engineers and suppliers.

You should have a strong electrical/control systems background, a minimum of 6 years in process automation, and be able to work autonomously in a remote environment while communicating effectively with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process automation within manufacturing.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong knowledge of industrial control systems, sensors, actuators, and robotics.
• Experience with industrial network protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet).
• Self-motivated with ability to work remotely and autonomously.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation for automation projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to select and integrate components.
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and quality.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide remote technical support and training to plant operations.
• Stay updated on new automation technologies and trends.
• Conduct performance analysis and recommend optimizations.
• Manage automation project timelines and budgets remotely.

Skills

Automation design

PLC programming

SCADA systems

HMI software

Electrical/electronic engineering

Remote work autonomously

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / related field

Tools

Siemens PLC (S7)

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA software

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in sustainable packaging solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Remote Process Automation Engineer to join their dynamic operations team. This role is designed for a remote-first professional who will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and optimizing automated control systems for their manufacturing processes. You will leverage your expertise in automation technologies, PLC programming, and SCADA systems to enhance efficiency, improve product quality, and ensure operational safety across their facilities. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in electrical and control systems engineering, coupled with exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to work autonomously in a virtual environment. This is a unique opportunity to drive technological advancements in manufacturing from the comfort of your home office, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions. Your work will directly contribute to the company's commitment to innovation and operational excellence in the Mossel Bay, Western Cape region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues to minimize downtime and ensure production continuity.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation for automation projects, including electrical schematics, functional descriptions, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external vendors to select and integrate automation components and systems.
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality through automation.
• Ensure automation systems comply with all relevant safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide remote technical support and training to plant operations and maintenance personnel.
• Stay abreast of new automation technologies and industry trends to recommend potential upgrades and innovations.
• Conduct performance analysis of automated systems and recommend optimizations.
• Manage automation project timelines and budgets effectively in a remote setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process automation engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, sensors, actuators, and robotics.
• Experience with network protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and autonomously in a remote setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for interacting with distributed teams.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) principles is a plus.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, excellent health and retirement benefits, generous paid time off, and significant opportunities for professional development in a rapidly growing industry.

This role provides the flexibility of a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere. The company is committed to fostering innovation and provides resources for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Join our client and be at the forefront of automation technology in manufacturing.