Senior Automation Engineer - Manufacturing Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company匹配

Generous annual leave and holidays

Professional development budget

Opportunity to work on innovative andl

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated systems across manufacturing facilities. The role is hybrid, with on-site work for installations and remote design tasks.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in industrial automation, strong PLC/HMI experience (Siemens/AB), robotics (FANUC/KUKA), and proven project leadership. Growth opportunities within a global network are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 7+ years of industrial automation experience in manufacturing.
• Strong PLC and HMI experience with Siemens/Allen-Bradley.
• Robotics programming experience with FANUC/KUKA.
• Experience with SCADA and data acquisition.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Lead automation projects from concept to commissioning.
• Develop PLC code, system configurations, and documentation.
• Troubleshoot production automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, IT for integrated solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Develop predictive maintenance and optimization strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Robotics integration

SCADA systems

Project leadership

HMI development

Data acquisition

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

FANUC robotics

KUKA robotics

SCADA

HMI development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automation Engineer to enhance their operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This pivotal role involves designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems and processes across their manufacturing facilities. You will lead projects focused on improving efficiency, productivity, and quality through the integration of cutting-edge automation technologies. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, and SCADA systems, coupled with excellent project management and leadership skills. This is a hybrid role, requiring a balance of on-site presence for critical installations, commissioning, and team collaboration in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, with the flexibility for remote work on design, analysis, and documentation tasks. We are looking for an innovative thinker who can drive automation initiatives and contribute to the company's technological advancement. The company offers a stimulating work environment and significant opportunities for career progression within its global network.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated control systems for manufacturing processes using PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Lead and manage automation projects from conception through to completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Develop and maintain PLC code, system configurations, and automation documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues on the production floor, minimizing downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, and IT, to integrate automation solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest automation technologies and industry trends, identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior automation engineers and technicians.
• Develop and implement strategies for predictive maintenance and system optimization.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the development and execution of capital investment plans for automation upgrades.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with a focus on manufacturing environments.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI development.
• Proficiency in robotic programming (e.g., FANUC, KUKA) and integration.
• Experience with SCADA systems and data acquisition.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols.
• Proven project management skills and experience leading technical teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid remote/on-site setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Professional development budget for training and conferences.
• Opportunity to work on innovative and impactful projects.