Senior Automation and Control Engineer

Placements24; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 720,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation and Control Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated systems across industries. The role is remote, supporting projects nationwide in South Africa, with a focus on PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, and modern control strategies.

You will collaborate with clients and internal teams, develop robust documentation, ensure safety standards, and stay updated with IIoT, robotics, and advanced control techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years hands-on experience in industrial automation and control system design and implementation.
• Proven proficiency in programming multiple PLC platforms (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI software platforms (Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC ladder logic, function block, and structured text programs for various automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric).
• Configure and develop HMI and SCADA systems for process visualization and control.
• Specify and select appropriate automation hardware, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and industrial networking components.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, functional design specifications, and user manuals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues, providing remote support to clients during commissioning and operation.
• Conduct system testing, simulation, and validation to ensure performance and reliability meet design requirements.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define project scope, requirements, and timelines.
• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation technologies, including IIoT, robotics, and advanced control algorithms.
• Provide technical training and support to junior engineers and client personnel.
• Ensure all automation designs adhere to relevant safety standards and industry best practices.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Industrial communication protocols

System documentation

Troubleshooting

Project collaboration

Remote work

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

Ignition

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in industrial automation solutions, is looking for a talented Senior Automation and Control Engineer to join their innovative team, remotely supporting projects across various industries. This role is perfect for an experienced professional passionate about designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems. You will play a crucial part in enhancing operational efficiency, improving product quality, and ensuring the safety and reliability of complex industrial processes through cutting-edge control strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, and a deep understanding of industrial communication protocols. As a remote employee, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from your preferred location while contributing to impactful projects for clients nationwide. This is a key opportunity to leverage your expertise and drive innovation in the automation space, supporting operations across South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC ladder logic, function block, and structured text programs for various automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric).
• Configure and develop Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for process visualization and control.
• Specify and select appropriate automation hardware, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and industrial networking components.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, functional design specifications, and user manuals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues, providing remote support to clients during commissioning and operation.
• Conduct system testing, simulation, and validation to ensure performance and reliability meet design requirements.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define project scope, requirements, and timelines.
• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation technologies, including IIoT, robotics, and advanced control algorithms.
• Provide technical training and support to junior engineers and client personnel.
• Ensure all automation designs adhere to relevant safety standards and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation and control system design and implementation.
• Proven proficiency in programming multiple PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI software platforms (e.g., Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).