Senior Automation Engineer - Mining

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automation Engineer for Vereeniging, Gauteng to design, implement, and support PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems in a mining context. You will drive efficiency, safety, and reliability across processes, collaborating with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

The role requires hands-on expertise in industrial automation, strong problem-solving, and the ability to travel to multiple mining sites. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with mining/heavy industry experience preferred.
• Proficiency in programming PLC platforms (Siemens S7, Rockwell Logix).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI software (Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols (Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Knowledge of process control principles and tuning methods.
• Experience with distributed control systems (DCS) is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel to multiple sites and offshore where required.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for mining equipment and processes.
• Develop and maintain automation system documentation, including diagrams and manuals.
• Troubleshoot automation and control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Implement advanced control strategies to optimize performance and efficiency.
• Conduct site surveys and assess automation infrastructure for upgrades.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers for seamless integration.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance staff and operators.
• Ensure automation projects meet safety standards and best practices.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships.
• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation technology.
• Contribute to long-term automation strategies for the mine.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

DCS

Industrial networks

Process control

Troubleshooting

Project coordination

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related field

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell Logix

Ignition

Wonderware

FactoryTalk View

Profibus

Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking mining operation, is seeking a highly competent Senior Automation Engineer to join their team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and reliability of mining processes through the implementation and maintenance of advanced automation systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, commissioning, and support of PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems across various mining applications. You will work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering departments to identify opportunities for automation and drive technological advancements. This is a hands-on role requiring a deep understanding of industrial automation technologies within a mining context.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for mining equipment and processes.
• Develop and maintain automation system documentation, including logic diagrams, network designs, and operational manuals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Implement advanced control strategies to optimize process performance and efficiency.
• Conduct site surveys and assess existing automation infrastructure for upgrade opportunities.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance staff and operators on automation systems.
• Ensure all automation projects and implementations adhere to safety standards and best practices.
• Manage automation project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in industrial automation technology and assess their applicability to mining operations.
• Contribute to the development of long-term automation strategies for the mine.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with a significant portion in the mining or heavy industry sector.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Logix).
• Experience with SCADA/HMI software (e.g., Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP) and communication protocols.
• Knowledge of process control principles and tuning methods.
• Experience with distributed control systems (DCS) is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel to various sites within the operational area and occasionally offshore.
• Understanding of functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508/61511) is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a performance bonus scheme.
• Employees enjoy comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development through advanced training and certifications.
• The role is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng , a region with significant industrial activity and reasonable living costs.
• Assistance with relocation expenses is available for eligible candidates.