Senior Automation Engineer – Remote PLC/Robotics Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid & retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join our Pretoria-based engineering team. The role blends on-site and remote work, focusing on designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation solutions across our industrial operations, including PLC, robotics, HMI/SCADA, and data analytics.

You will lead projects, configure systems, troubleshoot complex automation issues, and collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance to drive efficiency, safety, and uptime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Logix).
• Strong experience with HMI/SCADA software and industrial networking protocols.
• Knowledge of robotics programming and integration (FANUC, KUKA).
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis for process optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of remote/on-site teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation strategies for manufacturing processes.
• Program and configure PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to meet requirements.
• Integrate robotics and automated machinery into production lines.
• Develop and manage automation project plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Conduct feasibility studies and recommend automation technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, production, and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices.
• Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies to improve efficiency.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics integration

Data analytics

Project management

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics/Computer Science

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Automation Studio

FANUC

KUKA

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join our Pretoria-based engineering team. The role blends on-site and remote work, focusing on designing, developing, and implementing advanced automation solutions across our industrial operations, including PLC, robotics, HMI/SCADA, and data analytics.

You will lead projects, configure systems, troubleshoot complex automation issues, and collaborate with R&D, production, and maintenance to drive efficiency, safety, and uptime.