Senior Control Systems Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Annual bonus

Remote-friendly culture

Online training resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to join a fully remote South Africa team. You will design, develop, implement and support advanced automation systems for industrial clients, with strong PLC, SCADA/HMI, and networking expertise.

The role emphasizes remote collaboration, mentoring juniors, and delivering reliable solutions across diverse projects. Challenging projects, ongoing professional development, and a supportive remote culture are offered,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and program PLCs for industrial applications using Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Mitsubishi.
• Develop and configure SCADA systems and HMIs.
• Implement and troubleshoot industrial networks (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Conduct system integration, testing, and commissioning, often remotely.
• Create technical specifications, design documents, and user manuals.
• Provide remote support and troubleshooting for installed systems.
• Collaborate with project managers and clients to define scope and timelines.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in design reviews to improve processes.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

Industrial networking

Remote teamwork

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Safety standards knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation solutions, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to join their dedicated remote team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to critical projects from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of sophisticated automation systems for a variety of industrial clients. This role demands a strong understanding of PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI design, and industrial networking. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical expertise, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a proven capacity to lead complex automation projects in a remote setting. You will collaborate closely with a distributed team of engineers and project managers to deliver innovative and reliable automation solutions. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of industrial processes while enjoying the benefits of a remote work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for various industrial applications using platforms like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Mitsubishi.


• Develop and configure Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).


• Implement and troubleshoot industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).


• Conduct system integration, testing, and commissioning of automation solutions, often remotely where feasible.


• Develop technical specifications, functional design documents, and user manuals.


• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for installed automation systems.


• Collaborate with project managers and clients to define project scope, requirements, and timelines.


• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation and control systems.


• Mentor and guide junior engineers in the remote team, fostering knowledge sharing.


• Participate in design reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.


• Extensive experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and SCADA/HMI software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).


• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networking.


• Proven ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex automation systems.


• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a remote team environment.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage remote client interactions.


• Familiarity with safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508) is a plus.


• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and a generous annual bonus.


• Our client invests in employee growth, offering access to online training resources, certification programs, and opportunities to attend virtual industry conferences.


• You will have the autonomy to manage your work schedule and contribute to impactful projects from your chosen location within South Africa.


• We foster a supportive and collaborative remote culture, utilizing advanced communication and project management tools.


• Enjoy a flexible work-life balance while being part of a globally recognized leader in industrial automation.