Senior Automation & Control Systems Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Medical insurance

Retirement planning

Training opportunities

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation & Control Systems Engineer in Durban to lead design, programming, commissioning and support of sophisticated control systems for diverse industrial clients.

The ideal candidate will have extensive PLC, HMI and SCADA expertise, plus hands-on experience in system integration, and a willingness to travel to client sites while working in a hybrid on-site/remote setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• At least 6 years in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proficient with major PLC platforms (Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites and excellent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation processes.
• Program and configure automation hardware and software platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider Electric).
• Develop and test control strategies to optimize machine and process performance.
• Perform on-site commissioning of automation systems, including troubleshooting and fine-tuning.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their requirements and provide technical solutions.
• Create and maintain detailed project documentation, including control narratives, logic diagrams, and user manuals.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and junior engineering staff.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in industrial automation.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

Systems integration

Electrical engineering

Travel availability

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley

Schneider SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Automation & Control Systems Engineer to join their expanding operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is integral to designing, implementing, and supporting sophisticated control systems for diverse industrial clients. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of automation projects, from initial concept and design through to programming, commissioning, and ongoing support. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and VFD technologies, coupled with hands‑on experience in system integration. Based in the bustling port city of Durban , this position offers a dynamic work environment with a hybrid model that balances on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. Our client is committed to leveraging the latest automation technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity for their customers across various sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation processes.
• Program and configure various automation hardware and software platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider Electric).
• Develop and test control strategies to optimize machine and process performance.
• Perform on-site commissioning of automation systems, including troubleshooting and fine-tuning.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their requirements and provide technical solutions.
• Create and maintain detailed project documentation, including control narratives, logic diagrams, and user manuals.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and junior engineering staff.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in industrial automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven expertise with major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with VFDs and servo drive configuration and integration.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical insurance and retirement planning options.
• Continuous training and certification opportunities in leading automation technologies.
• Exposure to a wide range of industries and challenging projects.
• A supportive team environment with a focus on professional development.
• Hybrid work flexibility for enhanced work-life integration.
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.