Senior Automation Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Performance bonuses

Professional development support

Impact automation strategy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to lead our client's automation strategy from a fully remote capacity. The role requires designing, developing, and deploying advanced automation solutions that boost operational efficiency and productivity across industrial processes.

We expect 8+ years in industrial automation, strong PLC/SCADA expertise (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000), and leadership skills to mentor juniors and collaborate with cross-functional

Qualifications

• 8+ years in industrial automation engineering.
• Strong experience with PLC/SCADA platforms and robotics integration.
• Proven track record delivering large automation projects and leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of scalable automation systems (PLC/SCADA/robotics).
• Architect control strategies for complex processes.
• Manage lifecycle of automation initiatives from requirements to commissioning.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Collaborate across functions to identify opportunities and optimize processes.
• Ensure safety standards and best practices in deployments.

Skills

PLC & SCADA

Robotics integration

Project leadership

Cybersecurity concepts

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

HMI/SCADA systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to lead their automation strategy and implementation efforts. Operating in a fully remote capacity, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying advanced automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency and productivity. This role requires a deep understanding of industrial automation technologies and a proven ability to manage complex projects from concept to completion, driving innovation across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable automation systems, including PLC, SCADA, and robotics integration.
• Architect robust and efficient control strategies for complex industrial processes.
• Oversee the entire project lifecycle for automation initiatives, from requirements gathering to final commissioning.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and optimize existing processes.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and best practices in all automation deployments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Extensive experience with major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing large-scale automation projects.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and cybersecurity principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and remote collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary package with significant performance bonuses.
• Complete flexibility with a fully remote work environment.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous allowance for professional development and training.
• Opportunity to shape the future of automation for a growing company.