Senior Automation Engineer: SCADA, PLC & Plant Optimization

SA Metal; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident fund

Life cover at 4x annual salary

Funeral cover

Medical aid – Hospital Plan

15x paid leave days per annum

Long service leave after five years

Job summary

SA Metal in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Automation Engineer to lead SCADA development and PLC programming across heavy industry environments. You will drive plant optimization, standardize control systems, and manage BOMs.

The role includes drafting manuals, training operators, and providing after-hours breakdown support, with close collaboration with regional teams. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in relevant fields, a tertiary qualification, strong communication skills, and a hands-on,

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in a similar or heavy industry.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Strong SCADA development skills (Ignition, Factory Talk, Sematic WinCC).
• Strong PLC programming skills (Delta, Allen Bradley, Siemens).
• Ability to integrate devices to PLC/SCADA systems.
• Understanding of Modbus, TCP, Ethernet/IP protocols.
• Overtime may be required.
• Own reliable transport and valid driver’s license.
• English reading/writing and computer literacy (MS Office).
• Experience with Electronic Maintenance systems (CWorks).
• Knowledge of OHSA Act.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain various SCADA packages.
• Drive plant optimization and visualization.
• Manage standardization of control systems.
• Record bill of materials for SA Metal machines.
• Draft machine manuals and provide operator training.
• Develop automated reports on machine performance and breakdowns.
• Manage projects, upgrades and control replacements.
• Update drawings and ensure relevance.
• Implement and manage a control change request system.
• Provide remote after-hours support for breakdowns.
• Collaborate with Gauteng branches and SA Steelworks.
• Practice Health and Safety procedures.

Skills

SCADA development

PLC programming

English communication

Problem solving

Education

Tertiary qualification

Tools

CWorks

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

SA Metal in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Automation Engineer to lead SCADA development and PLC programming across heavy industry environments. You will drive plant optimization, standardize control systems, and manage BOMs.

The role includes drafting manuals, training operators, and providing after-hours breakdown support, with close collaboration with regional teams. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in relevant fields, a tertiary qualification, strong communication skills, and a hands-on,