Senior Automation Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Professional development

Remote work tools

Leave policy

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain advanced automated systems for manufacturing. This remote-first role collaborates with R&D, production, and QA to drive efficiency and quality across production lines from anywhere in South Africa.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years of industrial automation experience, strong PLC/HMI/SCADA skills, and a solid foundation in control systems, robotics, and IoT integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5–7 years of proven experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of control systems, robotics, and sensor technologies.
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation systems and control logic for manufacturing equipment.
• Program and configure PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve remote automation issues.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define requirements and performance criteria.
• Conduct performance analysis to improve efficiency and quality.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and manuals.
• Stay updated on advancements in automation technology.
• Provide remote technical support and training to on-site teams.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Control systems

Robotics

Sensor technologies

Data acquisition

Industry 4.0

IoT integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in automated manufacturing solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Automation Engineer to join their dynamic, remote-first team. This is a critical role where you will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced automated systems that drive efficiency and quality across our production lines. As a remote employee, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and quality assurance, leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve complex challenges. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical foundation in automation principles coupled with extensive practical experience. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, allowing you to grow your career while contributing to groundbreaking projects. This position offers the flexibility of working from anywhere within South Africa , ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement sophisticated automation systems and control logic for manufacturing equipment.
• Program and configure Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to automation hardware and software in a remote setting.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define system requirements, specifications, and performance criteria.
• Conduct performance analysis and optimization of automated processes to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and operational manuals.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology and best practices.
• Provide remote technical support and training to on-site maintenance and operations teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of control systems, robotics, and sensor technologies.
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration with geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience with simulation software is a plus.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and IoT integration.

Benefits

• Our client values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
• This includes a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for continuous professional development through training and certifications.
• You will also have access to state-of-the-art remote working tools and support.
• We offer a generous leave policy, health insurance coverage, and retirement savings plans.
• Join a forward-thinking company that embraces innovation and offers a truly flexible and rewarding career path.
• This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact from the comfort of your home office in Pietermaritzburg or anywhere else in South Africa .