Senior Automation Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to enhance production efficiency at their Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. The role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, with a focus on safety, quality, and cost efficiency.

The job supports a hybrid on-site/remote work model. A proactive engineer will lead automation projects and collaborate across maintenance and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in Siemens and Rockwell PLC programming.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software development and configuration.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Hybrid work capability balancing on-site and remote tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation processes.
• Develop automation strategies to improve production efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex automation hardware and software issues.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and implement automation projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed automation solutions.
• Manage automation projects from conception to completion, including vendor selection and system integration.
• Ensure automation systems comply with all relevant safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Stay current with new automation technologies and best practices.
• Perform site visits and inspections as necessary for projects in the Richards Bay area.

Skills

Automation design

Troubleshooting

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the industrial manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to enhance operational efficiency at their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems that drive production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial control systems, robotics, and process optimization. You will be responsible for ensuring the seamless integration of automation technologies, improving system reliability, and reducing operational costs. This hybrid position offers the opportunity to balance on-site project work with remote planning and analysis, providing flexibility while ensuring critical operational needs are met. We are looking for a proactive engineer who can identify automation opportunities and implement effective solutions in a demanding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation processes.
• Develop and implement automation strategies to improve production efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex automation hardware and software issues.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and implement automation projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed automation solutions.
• Manage automation projects from conception to completion, including vendor selection and system integration.
• Ensure automation systems comply with all relevant safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Stay current with new automation technologies and best practices.
• Perform site visits and inspections as necessary for projects in the Richards Bay area.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in programming major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software development and configuration.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP) and control system architecture.
• Knowledge of robotics and motion control systems is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site and remote tasks.
• Experience in the manufacturing or process industries is highly desirable.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards in a KwaZulu-Natal industrial setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies and large-scale industrial projects.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Be part of a stable and growing industrial leader in Richards Bay .
• Supportive team environment focused on innovation and efficiency.