Senior Automation Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Profit sharing

Continuous professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to design, program, and commission advanced industrial automation systems for diverse clients. You will lead projects from scoping through handover, develop system architectures, program PLCs, and create intuitive HMI screens while ensuring safety and quality standards.

The role requires a minimum of six years in industrial automation, a Bachelor's degree in engineering, and proficiency with Siemens S7 and Rockwell

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proven PLC programming experience with major vendors (Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Strong experience with SCADA systems (Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC) and HMI development.
• Familiarity with Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP.
• Excellent understanding of control system design principles and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission automation systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI).
• Lead automation projects from scoping through final implementation and handover.
• Develop system architectures and select hardware/software components.
• Write and debug PLC code for Siemens and Rockwell platforms.
• Create user-friendly HMI screens and configure SCADA for process monitoring.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues on-site or remotely.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and client specifications.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

HMI development

Electrical engineering

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Wonderware

Ignition

WinCC

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Modbus TCP

Job description

About the Role A leading automation solutions provider is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Automation Engineer to join their dynamic team in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is integral to designing, implementing, and commissioning advanced automation systems for industrial clients. The successful candidate will lead complex projects, from concept development and system architecture design to programming, testing, and client training. This position demands a deep understanding of PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial networks, along with excellent problem-solving and project management skills. You will play a key role in driving efficiency and innovation for our clients in the Upington region and beyond. Our client is committed to delivering state-of-the-art solutions and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission industrial automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMIs.
• Lead automation projects from initial scoping and design through to final implementation and handover.
• Develop system architectures and select appropriate hardware and software components.
• Write and debug PLC code for various platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Develop user-friendly and efficient Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens.
• Configure and implement SCADA systems for process monitoring and control.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues, both remotely and on-site.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation engineers.
• Ensure automation designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Collaborate effectively with clients, project managers, and other engineering disciplines.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proven expertise in programming logic controllers (PLCs) from major vendors (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Strong experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, WinCC) and HMI development.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP).
• Excellent understanding of control system design principles and safety standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as required and ability to work in a Hybrid capacity.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Upington, Northern Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package that rewards expertise and experience.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid coverage, a retirement annuity, and opportunities for profit sharing.
• Continuous professional development is encouraged through advanced training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences.
• This role provides a Hybrid work environment, offering flexibility.
• Join a leading firm in Upington that is at the forefront of industrial automation technology and offers significant career growth potential.