Senior Controls Engineer - Automation Systems

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Flexible hours

Remote-first culture

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design and implementation of advanced PLC-based control systems for diverse industrial applications. This remote role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge automation projects from anywhere, collaborating with global teams.

You will develop PLC logic, create intuitive HMI/SCADA interfaces, integrate PLCs, VFDs, sensors and robotics, and mentor junior engineers while staying ahead of industry trends in smart manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years' progressive experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Extensive PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development experience with Siemens and Rockwell.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for industrial automation projects.
• Create intuitive HMI/SCADA interfaces for monitoring and operation.
• Integrate PLCs, VFDs, servos, sensors, and robots from leading manufacturers.
• Develop and implement motion and process control strategies.
• Perform diagnostics, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams for seamless integration.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and system docs.
• Provide remote technical support to clients and field technicians.
• Stay updated with trends in industrial automation and control systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the knowledge base.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics

Industrial networking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell RSLogix/Studio 5000

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading provider of industrial automation solutions and is seeking a highly experienced Senior Controls Engineer to spearhead the design and implementation of sophisticated control systems. This is a fully remote role, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects from anywhere. You will be responsible for developing PLC logic, HMI screens, and integrating various automation components to create efficient and reliable systems for diverse industrial applications. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics, and a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior engineer to make a significant impact on innovative automation projects and contribute to the advancement of smart manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for industrial automation projects.
• Create intuitive and efficient HMI/SCADA interfaces for system monitoring and operation.
• Integrate various automation hardware, including PLCs, VFDs, servos, sensors, and robots from leading manufacturers (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron).
• Develop and implement complex control strategies, including motion control and process control algorithms.
• Perform system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and performance optimization for existing and new installations.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of control systems.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and system documentation.
• Provide remote technical support and guidance to clients and field technicians.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation and control systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's knowledge base.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Extensive experience in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell RSLogix/Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Proficiency in integrating various industrial hardware components and communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong understanding of electrical design principles, motor control, and instrumentation.
• Experience with robotic programming and integration is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Proven ability to manage project tasks and meet deadlines independently.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on state-of-the-art automation projects across various industries. Embrace a remote-first culture and advance your career in controls engineering from the comfort of your home.