Remote Senior Automation Engineer - Mining Systems

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Profit-sharing

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Home office allowance

IT equipment provided

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to drive design, implementation, and optimization of automated mining systems. You will lead cross-functional teams in PLC programming, SCADA, and HMI development, ensuring safe, reliable automation across processes, with remote collaboration and global impact.

The ideal candidate brings extensive industrial automation experience, strong problem solving, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while advancing digital transformation in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Computer Engineering or related field.
• 7–10 years in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven PLC programming experience and SCADA systems familiarity.
• Remote collaboration and cross-functional project experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems for mining equipment and processes.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation (P&IDs, schematics, diagrams).
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT to define automation requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

HMI design

Industrial automation

Remote support

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Computer Engineering

Tools

Wonderware

Ignition

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global innovator in the Mining sector, is seeking to enhance its operational efficiency and safety through advanced automation and is looking for a highly skilled Senior Automation Engineer to join their team. This is a fully remote position, offering the unique opportunity to work from any location while contributing to cutting-edge mining technology development. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, implementation, and optimization of automated systems across various mining processes, including control systems, robotics, and data acquisition. We are seeking a forward-thinking professional with extensive experience in industrial automation, SCADA systems, and PLC programming, ideally within the mining or heavy industry context. Your expertise will be vital in driving the digital transformation of our client's mining operations. This remote role offers the chance to shape the future of mining automation on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems for mining equipment and processes.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Develop and maintain automation documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, and logic diagrams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, IT) to define automation requirements and solutions.
• Oversee the integration of new automation technologies and upgrade existing systems.
• Conduct performance analysis of automated systems and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure automation solutions comply with safety standards (e.g., IEC 61511) and industry best practices.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for automated mining operations.
• Mentor junior automation engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, IoT, and artificial intelligence in industrial applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition).
• Experience with HMI design and implementation.
• Familiarity with network protocols used in industrial automation (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
• Experience in the Mining sector or other heavy process industries is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, and control theory.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and deliver solutions on time and within budget.

Benefits

• A highly competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Full remote work flexibility with adjustable working hours.
• Annual bonus and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous professional development budget for training and certifications.
• Company-provided IT equipment and a home office allowance.
• The opportunity to work on impactful projects driving innovation in the mining industry worldwide.