Senior Automation Engineer

Network Finance; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to develop, maintain, and optimize SCADA systems and PLC programs across a heavy industrial environment in Randburg. You will drive plant efficiency through real-time visualization, standardize controls, and manage upgrades with strong troubleshooting skills.

Applicants should have 5–10 years in industrial automation, exposure to Ignition, WinCC, Siemens/Allen-Bradley/Delta PLCs, and familiarity with protocols like Modbus, TCP/IP, and

Qualifications

• Must hold an Electrical/Automation engineering degree or equivalent.
• 5–10 years in industrial automation, control systems, or heavy industry.
• Strong experience with SCADA systems and PLC programming across multiple platforms.
• Exposure to industrial communication protocols (Modbus, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP).

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize SCADA systems and automation solutions.
• Lead plant optimization through real-time visualization and automation.
• Standardize control systems across manufacturing operations.
• Manage PLC programming, upgrades, and system improvements.
• Produce machine manuals, BOMs, and operator training materials.
• Lead automation projects and manage upgrades and replacements.
• Plan maintenance activities and support breakdowns.

Skills

SCADA development

PLC programming

Industrial protocols

Troubleshooting

Project management

Technical communication

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Java scripting

Problem solving

Education

Electrical/Automation engineering degree

Tools

Ignition

FactoryTalk

Siemens WinCC

Siemens PLCs

AllenBradley PLCs

Delta PLCs

CWorks

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize SCADA systems
• Drive plant optimization initiatives through enhanced automation and real-time visualization solutions.
• Standardize control systems across manufacturing operations.
• Manage PLC programming, upgrades, and control system improvements.
• Record and maintain bills of materials for automated machinery.
• Create machine operating procedures, user manuals, and provide operator training.
• Develop automated performance reporting for machine efficiency, downtime, and breakdown analysis.
• Lead automation projects, machine upgrades, and control system replacements.
• Maintain and update electrical and control system drawings.
• Implement and manage change control processes for automation systems.
• Coordinate servicing and maintenance of electronic and instrumentation components.
• Plan and manage routine maintenance activities and breakdown support.
• Improve fault reporting, root-cause analysis, and machine reliability processes.
• Generate technical reports on machine failures and corrective actions.
• Ensure instrumentation calibration and compliance with required tolerances.
• Support electrical fault-finding and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide remote after-hours technical support when required.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety standards and best practices.

Job Experience and Skills Required:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related discipline.
• 5-10 years' experience in industrial automation, control systems, or a heavy industrial environment.
• Strong SCADA development experience with:
  • Ignition
  • FactoryTalk
  • Siemens WinCC
• Strong PLC programming experience with:
  • Siemens
  • Allen Bradley
  • Delta PLCs
• Experience integrating field devices, PLCs, and SCADA platforms.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols including:
  • Modbus
  • TCP/IP
  • Ethernet/IP
• Java scripting experience advantageous.
• Experience managing machine upgrades and industrial automation projects.
• Exposure to electronic maintenance management systems such as CWorks.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety legislation and standards.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and administrative skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license and own reliable transport.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.