Senior Automation Engineer - Process Control (Remote)

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Home office allowance

Paid time off

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to design, develop, and support advanced automation systems for global clients. The role emphasizes PLC/HMI/SCADA expertise, remote collaboration, and leadership of complex projects from design through deployment.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with clients to define requirements, and stay at the forefront of automation technology to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity in a fully remote setup across South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of hands-on industrial automation experience.
• Expertise with Siemens S7, Rockwell Logix, Mitsubishi PLCs.
• Strong knowledge of HMI/SCADA (Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk View).
• Proficient in Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram.
• Solid understanding of Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP.
• Proven project leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Excellent communication and remote-work capable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and process control systems using PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and other relevant technologies.
• Program and configure industrial control systems, ensuring adherence to best practices and client specifications.
• Develop detailed technical documentation, including system architecture, logic diagrams, and operating manuals.
• Conduct system testing, commissioning, and validation to ensure functionality and performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues, providing remote support and, if necessary, on-site assistance for critical deployments.
• Collaborate with clients to define project requirements, scope, and deliverables.
• Mentor and guide junior automation engineers, providing technical expertise and support.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, industry standards, and safety regulations.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively for assigned automation projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the automation engineering department.

Skills

PLC programming and control

SCADA/HMI development

Remote collaboration

Project leadership/mentorship

Analytical problem-solving

Client communication

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Mechatronics degree

Computer Engineering degree

Tools

Siemens S7 PLC

Rockwell Logix

Mitsubishi PLCs

Wonderware

Ignition

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Automation Engineer to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote position, offering you the opportunity to work from anywhere in South Africa. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, implementing, and supporting complex process control and automation systems for a variety of industrial clients. This role demands deep technical expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial networking, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. As a senior member of the team, you will also be expected to mentor junior engineers, lead complex projects, and collaborate closely with clients to deliver tailored automation solutions. We are looking for an innovative and self‑motivated professional passionate about driving efficiency, safety, and productivity through cutting‑edge automation technologies. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the successful execution of critical automation projects, contributing significantly to our client's reputation for excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity to leverage your skills in a challenging and rewarding remote work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and process control systems using PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and other relevant technologies.
• Program and configure industrial control systems, ensuring adherence to best practices and client specifications.
• Develop detailed technical documentation, including system architecture, logic diagrams, and operating manuals.
• Conduct system testing, commissioning, and validation to ensure functionality and performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues, providing remote support and, if necessary, on‑site assistance for critical deployments.
• Collaborate with clients to define project requirements, scope, and deliverables.
• Mentor and guide junior automation engineers, providing technical expertise and support.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, industry standards, and safety regulations.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively for assigned automation projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the automation engineering department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation engineering and process control.
• Extensive experience with major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Logix, Mitsubishi) and HMI/SCADA software (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk View).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in automation (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram).
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and provide technical mentorship.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to interact effectively with clients and team members.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, or advanced process control techniques is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary and performance‑driven bonus.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering significant flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Extensive professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.
• Allowance for home office setup and necessary equipment.
• Substantial paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and high‑impact global projects.
• Employee stock option plan availability.
• Regular virtual team meetings and social events.