Senior Automation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid & retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join our Pretoria-based engineering team. The role blends on-site and remote work, focusing on designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation solutions across our industrial operations, including PLC, robotics, HMI/SCADA, and data analytics.

You will lead projects, configure systems, troubleshoot complex automation issues, and collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance to drive efficiency, safety, and uptime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Logix).
• Strong experience with HMI/SCADA software and industrial networking protocols.
• Knowledge of robotics programming and integration (FANUC, KUKA).
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis for process optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of remote/on-site teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation strategies for manufacturing processes.
• Program and configure PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to meet requirements.
• Integrate robotics and automated machinery into production lines.
• Develop and manage automation project plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Conduct feasibility studies and recommend automation technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, production, and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices.
• Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies to improve efficiency.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics integration

Data analytics

Project management

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics/Computer Science

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Automation Studio

FANUC

KUKA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automation Engineer to join their innovative engineering team, with the primary work location being Pretoria, Gauteng , though remote work is a significant component of this role. This position is critical for designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation solutions across our diverse industrial operations. You will lead the integration of cutting‑edge technologies, including robotics, PLC systems, and data analytics, to optimize production processes, enhance efficiency, and improve safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background combined with extensive practical experience in industrial automation. This is a unique opportunity to work on challenging projects, drive technological innovation, and significantly influence the operational efficiency of our facilities. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless implementation and ongoing support of automated systems. The role demands a proactive problem‑solver with a passion for leveraging technology to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation strategies and solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Program and configure PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to meet operational requirements.
• Integrate robotics and automated machinery into existing production lines.
• Develop and manage automation project plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Conduct feasibility studies and recommend automation technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, minimizing downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, production, and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices in automation.
• Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies and techniques to improve efficiency and productivity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Automation Logix).
• Strong experience with HMI/SCADA software and industrial networking protocols.
• Knowledge of robotics programming and integration (e.g., FANUC, KUKA).
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis for process optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote and on-site team.
• Willingness to travel to sites in Pretoria and other locations as required.
• Proven ability to manage projects and deliver results.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package tailored to your experience and expertise, complemented by an attractive performance bonus. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided. The company places a high value on employee development, offering opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and participation in international technical conferences. This role provides the flexibility of remote work while maintaining a strong connection to our operations based in Pretoria , Gauteng . You will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and operational excellence, with the chance to significantly shape the future of automation within the organization.