Senior Automation & Control Systems Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Competitive salary

Medical insurance and retirement plan

Generous annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West, South Africa, seeks a Senior Automation & Control Systems Engineer to design, implement, and optimize PLC/DCS solutions for diverse industrial processes. You will lead projects, mentor juniors, and collaborate with clients to specify automation requirements and deliver reliable, safe systems.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics with 7+ years in industrial automation, proficiency in Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proven PLC programming with Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Studio 5000.
• HMI development with WinCC or FactoryTalk View.
• Strong knowledge of Profibus/Profinet/Ethernet/IP.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Willing to travel to project sites.
• Mining or manufacturing sector experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC/DCS control systems for industrial processes.
• Configure and commission SCADA and HMI systems for process visualization and operator control.
• Develop and maintain functional design specifications and control philosophies.
• Program and troubleshoot various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and associated software.
• Specify and select instrumentation and control hardware components.
• Perform system integration, testing, and validation activities.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing automation systems.
• Collaborate with clients and project teams to define automation requirements and deliver solutions.
• Ensure automation designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Mentor junior automation engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Industrial networks

Electrical schematics

Problem-solving

Stakeholder comms

Mentoring juniors

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

VFDs & motion control

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial solutions provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automation & Control Systems Engineer to join their engineering team in Klerksdorp, North West . This role is central to designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced automation and control systems for a wide range of industrial applications. You will be instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and safety through cutting-edge technology. The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical understanding of PLCs, SCADA, HMI, and industrial networks, coupled with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to lead complex automation projects. This is an excellent opportunity to work with diverse industrial processes and drive innovation in automation within the Klerksdorp area.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC/DCS control systems for industrial processes.
• Configure and commission SCADA and HMI systems for process visualization and operator control.
• Develop and maintain functional design specifications and control philosophies.
• Program and troubleshoot various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and associated software.
• Specify and select instrumentation and control hardware components.
• Perform system integration, testing, and validation activities.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing automation systems.
• Collaborate with clients and project teams to define automation requirements and deliver solutions.
• Ensure automation designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Mentor junior automation engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000), HMI development (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View), and SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control narratives.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
• Experience in the mining or manufacturing sectors would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical insurance and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development through training and certifications.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Exposure to a variety of challenging industrial projects in Klerksdorp, North West .
• Supportive team environment and company culture.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.