Senior Automation Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced automation systems across our manufacturing plants.

The role focuses on PLC/SCADA/HMI, robotics, and safety compliance, with a hybrid work setup balancing on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. You will drive improvements with cross-functional teams and document systems comprehensively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• 7+ years in industrial automation engineering.
• Strong PLC/SCADA/HMI and robotics experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Implement and maintain robotic systems and integration.
• Troubleshoot automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Develop validation protocols for new systems and upgrades.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities.
• Ensure safety standards and industry regulations compliance.
• Provide training and support to maintenance and operations.
• Manage automation projects including budget and schedule.
• Research and evaluate new automation technologies.
• Maintain documentation including P&IDs, diagrams, and manuals.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial robotics

Electrical schematics

Control panel design

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

SCADA systems

HMI development tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturing firm with a strong presence in Bloemfontein, Free State, is looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to drive innovation in their production processes. This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced automation systems that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety across the facility. You will be at the forefront of adopting new technologies and integrating them into our existing infrastructure. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of industrial control systems, PLC programming, SCADA, and robotics. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on‑site collaboration and remote flexibility. You will work closely with production teams, maintenance staff, and engineering colleagues to ensure seamless operation and continuous improvement. We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, and this position is central to achieving those goals. The successful candidate will have a significant impact on the operational performance of our manufacturing plants in the **Bloemfontein** area. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled engineer to contribute to the technological advancement of a key industry player in the Free State province. We are looking for a proactive individual who can identify opportunities for automation and implement effective solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for manufacturing processes.
• Implement and maintain robotic systems, ensuring optimal performance and integration with other automation equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation‑related issues, minimizing production downtime.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for new automation systems and upgrades.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify automation opportunities and develop project scopes.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant safety standards and industry regulations.
• Provide technical training and support to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Manage automation projects, including budget, schedule, and resource allocation.
• Research and evaluate new automation technologies to enhance production efficiency and capabilities.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of automation systems, including P&IDs, logic diagrams, and user manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., KUKA, FANUC, ABB).
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, control panel design, and industrial networks.
• Experience in troubleshooting and debugging complex automation systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with project management methodologies.
• Knowledge of process control and instrumentation is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge automation technologies.
• Contribution to impactful projects within a reputable manufacturing company.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
• Access to modern facilities and advanced tools.