Senior Automation Controls Technician – Hybrid Growth

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical aid

Annual bonus

Training & certs

Pension fund

Paid annual leave

Safety gear

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Controls Technician in Bloemfontein to maintain and improve automated production systems. You will diagnose complex electrical and control issues and implement repair strategies, combining floor-work with remote analysis to optimize performance.

The role requires PLC/HMI/SCADA proficiency, VFD experience, and collaboration with engineering teams. A strong focus on safety and records management is essential, with occasional overtime and a rotating shift

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in automation controls.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting across platforms.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA tooling and industrial sensors.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of industrial automation control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotic equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical and mechanical issues affecting production machinery, identifying root causes of failures.
• Program, modify, and test PLC logic and HMI interfaces to optimize machine performance.
• Install, calibrate, and maintain industrial sensors, actuators, and control devices.
• Work with VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems for smooth operation.
• Collaborate with engineering on system upgrades, modifications, and new installations.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety regulations and company policies.
• Maintain records of maintenance activities, spare parts, and configurations.
• Provide technical support to operators and junior technicians.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for equipment reliability.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI

SCADA systems

VFDs

Electrical troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Technical qualification or apprenticeship in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

FactoryTalk View

WinCC

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Controls Technician in Bloemfontein to maintain and improve automated production systems. You will diagnose complex electrical and control issues and implement repair strategies, combining floor-work with remote analysis to optimize performance.

The role requires PLC/HMI/SCADA proficiency, VFD experience, and collaboration with engineering teams. A strong focus on safety and records management is essential, with occasional overtime and a rotating shift