Remote Senior Automation Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical plan

Retirement savings

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer for a fully remote role serving global clients. You will design, develop, and implement advanced automation systems, leveraging PLC programming, robotics, and SCADA expertise.

The position emphasizes independent work and effective coordination with distributed teams. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in industrial automation, strong PLC experience (Rockwell/Siemens), and robust problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or CS.
• 7+ years in industrial automation with PLC, robotics, and SCADA experience.
• Ability to design and implement complex automation solutions.
• Strong remote collaboration and self-management skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols and system integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission automation systems using PLCs, HMI, and SCADA.
• Develop robotic solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot automation issues remotely and on-site when needed.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams on requirements and scope.
• Document designs and operating manuals in detail.
• Provide client training and technical support.
• Stay updated on automation tech and propose improvements.
• Contribute to best practices and project standards.
• Manage project timelines in a remote setting.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

SCADA systems

Electrical engineering basics

Mechatronics

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

HMI/SCADA software

Rockwell/Siemens PLCs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automation Engineer to join their dynamic, remote-first team.

This position will be integral to designing, developing, and implementing sophisticated automation systems for our global clientele.

The ideal candidate will leverage extensive experience in PLC programming, robotics, and SCADA systems to drive innovation and efficiency. This role requires a proactive problem-solver with exceptional technical acumen, capable of working independently and collaborating effectively with distributed teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission complex automation systems using PLCs, HMI, and SCADA software.


• Develop and implement robotic solutions for manufacturing processes.


• Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues remotely and, if necessary, on-site.


• Collaborate with clients and internal engineering teams to define automation requirements and project scopes.


• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design specifications and operating manuals.


• Provide technical support and training to clients and field service engineers.


• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and propose innovative solutions.


• Contribute to the development of best practices and standards for automation projects.


• Manage project timelines and deliverables effectively within a remote setting.


• Ensure all automation solutions comply with industry standards and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with a strong focus on PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens), robotics, and SCADA systems.


• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing complex automation solutions.


• Proven ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.


• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills applicable to complex systems.


• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols and system integration.


• Proficiency in relevant programming languages and software packages.


• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective remote collaboration.


• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks efficiently.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility. Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.


• Benefits include a comprehensive medical plan, retirement savings contributions, and generous annual leave.

We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, offering access to cutting‑edge training and professional growth opportunities.

Employees are empowered to contribute significantly to innovative projects from anywhere.