Senior Automation Controls Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Retirement annuity

Annual performance bonus

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Controls Engineer to join our client’s advanced manufacturing operations in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will design, implement, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, troubleshooting complex control networks to maximise uptime.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics, 8+ years of automation experience, and expertise with Siemens and Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• 8+ years of hands-on industrial automation experience.
• Proficiency in Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLC platforms and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong ability to read electrical schematics and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot control system issues to minimise downtime.
• Specify automation hardware including sensors and safety devices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate automation solutions.
• Maintain control system documentation and implement process improvements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networking

Robotics & motion systems

Troubleshooting & diagnostics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly proficient Senior Automation Controls Engineer to join their sophisticated operations in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is central to enhancing and maintaining the efficiency and reliability of our automated production lines. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex control systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact within a leading industrial organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues, minimizing production interruptions.
• Specify and select automation hardware, including sensors, actuators, drives, and safety devices.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to integrate automation solutions.
• Develop and maintain control system documentation, including logic diagrams, electrical schematics, and user manuals.
• Implement process improvements and optimization strategies for existing automation systems.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements related to industrial automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking, robotics, and servo systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with motion control and vision systems is a plus.
• Must be authorized to work in South Africa and available for occasional travel.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including private health insurance, a retirement annuity, and an annual performance bonus.
• Significant investment in professional development is made, with opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.
• The role offers a hybrid work model, providing a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility.
• Generous annual leave and access to corporate wellness programs are also provided.