Senior Automation Engineer — Hybrid (PLC & Robotics)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a progressive manufacturing company to appoint a Senior Industrial Automation Engineer in Tembisa, Gauteng. This hybrid role combines on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to drive automation projects.

You will design, implement, and maintain PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, integrate robotics and control networks, and develop commissioning plans. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial automation and a strong electrical/mechanical/mechatronics background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field with a focus on automation.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proven experience with PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI/SCADA development, and industrial networking.
• Knowledge of robotic systems (FANUC, KUKA) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, sensors, and actuators.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in an industrial environment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• This role requires a hybrid presence at our Tembisa facility.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated systems and processes for manufacturing operations.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Specify and select automation hardware, including sensors, actuators, and robotic systems.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans for new automation equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automation solutions.
• Identify opportunities for automation to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Develop technical documentation including electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and industry trends.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial networking

Robotic systems knowledge

Reading electrical schematics

Troubleshooting in industrial env

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics with automation focus

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

SCADA software

Robotics (FANUC/KUKA)

Job description

Placements24 partners with a progressive manufacturing company to appoint a Senior Industrial Automation Engineer in Tembisa, Gauteng. This hybrid role combines on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to drive automation projects.

You will design, implement, and maintain PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, integrate robotics and control networks, and develop commissioning plans. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial automation and a strong electrical/mechanical/mechatronics background.