Senior Automation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Profit-sharing

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for large-scale industrial processes.

You will drive process improvements, manage automation projects, and mentor teams, while collaborating with operations, maintenance, and IT to ensure safe, reliable plant performance on-site in the North West region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi) and SCADA/HMI development.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Experience with process instrumentation, VSDs, and servo systems.
• Proven ability to manage complex automation projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a systematic approach.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the mining or heavy industrial sector is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to work on‑site and occasionally outside standard working hours.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for industrial processes.
• Develop and optimize control strategies to improve process efficiency, product quality, and safety.
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation system failures and performance issues.
• Lead the integration of new automation technologies and equipment into existing plant infrastructure.
• Manage automation projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and IT, to ensure seamless system operation.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including system architecture, logic diagrams, and operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide technical training and support to plant personnel on automation systems.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and recommend their adoption where appropriate.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

SCADA/HMI

Profibus

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

VSDs

Servo drives

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and industrial processing sector, is seeking a highly competent Senior Automation Engineer to enhance their operations in Rustenburg, North West . This role is essential for driving efficiency, safety, and productivity through the implementation and optimization of advanced automation systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in industrial control systems, PLC/SCADA programming, and process optimization, coupled with proven leadership capabilities. You will be at the forefront of technological advancement, ensuring our systems meet the highest industry standards. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact on large-scale operations. You will work closely with operations and engineering teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement innovative solutions that enhance performance and reduce downtime. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of industrial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for industrial processes.
• Develop and optimize control strategies to improve process efficiency, product quality, and safety.
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation system failures and performance issues.
• Lead the integration of new automation technologies and equipment into existing plant infrastructure.
• Manage automation projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and IT, to ensure seamless system operation.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including system architecture, logic diagrams, and operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and industry standards.
• Provide technical training and support to plant personnel on automation systems.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and recommend their adoption where appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi) and SCADA/HMI development.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Experience with process instrumentation, VSDs, and servo systems.
• Proven ability to manage complex automation projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a systematic approach.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the mining or heavy industrial sector is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to work on‑site and occasionally outside standard working hours.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, reflecting the senior nature of this role, along with performance‑based incentives. Comprehensive medical aid, a generous retirement fund, and life insurance are provided. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications, are readily available. Employees will have the chance to work with cutting‑edge technology and play a key role in optimizing major industrial operations. The company values a work‑life balance and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. Additional benefits may include profit‑sharing schemes and paid leave for professional development activities.