Senior Control Systems Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer in Stellenbosch to lead design, development, and commissioning of PLC, HMI and SCADA systems for diverse industrial applications.

The role requires 8+ years in control systems engineering, with deep PLC/HMI/SCADA expertise and strong problem-solving skills. Travel domestically and internationally may be required; hybrid work arrangement in Stellenbosch is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in control systems engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of PLC platforms (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong understanding of process control principles and automation hardware.
• Proven ability to manage projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for various industrial applications.
• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms to optimize process performance and efficiency.
• Integrate automation systems with existing plant infrastructure and enterprise software.
• Perform system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of control system failures.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including control narratives and diagrams.
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, and engineers to define project scope and requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and internal teams.
• Stay updated on advancements in control systems technology.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers within the team.
• Conduct site surveys and commissioning activities as required.

Skills

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

HMI/SCADA software

Profibus

Modbus

Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of advanced industrial automation solutions, is seeking an accomplished Senior Control Systems Engineer to join their team in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is integral to the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated control systems for a variety of automated processes. You will take a lead role in complex projects, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the systems we deliver. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative projects within a company renowned for its technical expertise and commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for various industrial applications.
• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms to optimize process performance and efficiency.
• Integrate automation systems with existing plant infrastructure and enterprise-level software.
• Perform system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of control system failures.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including control narratives, logic diagrams, and user manuals.
• Collaborate closely with clients, project managers, and other engineers to define project scope and technical requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and internal teams.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in control systems technology and industry best practices.
• Lead and mentor junior engineers within the control systems team.
• Conduct site surveys and commissioning activities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in control systems engineering.
• In-depth knowledge of major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong understanding of process control principles and automation hardware.
• Proven ability to manage projects from conception through to completion.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and with clients.
• Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally domestically and internationally.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package designed to attract top talent.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and performance-based incentives.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications, are provided.
• The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• This hybrid role offers the flexibility of working some days from home and some days in our modern Stellenbosch office, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Join a team that is passionate about delivering cutting-edge automation solutions.