Senior Automation Electrical Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

On-site parking and facilities

Comprehensive medical and dental 보험

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting for a Richards Bay-based industrial manufacturer to hire a Senior Automation Electrical Engineer. You will design, implement, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial networks on-site to optimize reliability and productivity.

You will work with cross-functional teams, develop electrical schematics and control logic, ensure safety compliance, and provide hands-on training to maintenance staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years in industrial automation and electrical engineering.
• Proficiency with major PLC platforms (Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (FactoryTalk View, WinCC).
• Strong understanding of electrical principles, motor control, and power distribution.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and troubleshooting.
• Experience with robotics/servo systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for new and existing machinery.
• Develop and implement HMI screens for operator interfaces.
• Specify, select, and integrate VFDs and motor control centers.
• Configure and troubleshoot Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus networks.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics and control logic documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Ensure automation designs comply with safety regulations and standards.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance personnel.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation upgrades.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Motor control

Network troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

FactoryTalk View

WinCC

Modbus / Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial manufacturing firm located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Electrical Engineer. This role is essential for optimizing and maintaining the electrical control systems within their advanced manufacturing facility. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial networks. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, a deep understanding of electrical hardware and software, and a commitment to improving operational efficiency and safety. You will work closely with production and maintenance teams to ensure minimal downtime and maximum productivity. This is an on-site position requiring your physical presence at our Richards Bay facility, where you will be a key contributor to our operational excellence. We pride ourselves on fostering a safe and productive working environment, and this role is central to maintaining those standards. Your expertise will directly impact the efficiency and reliability of our production lines, ensuring we remain at the forefront of our industry. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in a critical operational role.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for new and existing machinery and processes.
• Develop and implement HMI screens for operator interfaces, ensuring intuitive control and monitoring.
• Specify, select, and integrate variable frequency drives (VFDs) and motor control centers.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Perform root cause analysis for electrical and automation failures, implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control logic documentation, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical engineering, operations, and maintenance.
• Ensure all automation designs comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance personnel on automation systems.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation upgrades to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation and electrical engineering.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Experience with various HMI/SCADA software packages (e.g., FactoryTalk View, WinCC).
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical principles, motor control, and power distribution.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and network troubleshooting.
• Experience with robotics and servo systems is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a systematic approach.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team on-site.
• Strong communication skills for clear technical explanations.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art industrial automation technology.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Retirement annuity contribution.
• Paid leave and public holidays.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Stable employment within a reputable company.
• On-site parking and facilities.