Senior Controls Systems Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development and certs

Travel opportunities and allowances

Diverse automation projects

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Senior Controls Systems Engineer to design, develop, and deploy advanced PLC-based automation solutions for complex machinery on site. You will lead control system development, integrate sensors and drives, and ensure robust performance.

Collaborating with mechanical and electrical engineering teams, you will configure HMI/SCADA packages, validate safety standards, and provide on-site client training and support on challenging automation projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in controls systems engineering for industrial automation.
• Experience programming PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi) and implementing HMI/SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC logic for automation systems.
• Develop and configure HMI/SCADA systems.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and drives into control systems.
• Conduct system commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting on-site and at client sites.
• Collaborate with mechanical and Electrical teams for seamless integration.
• Maintain control system documentation and user manuals.
• Optimize control systems for performance and reliability.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and field engineers.
• Stay updated on automation technology, control theory, and safety standards.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

Ignition

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in advanced industrial automation and robotics, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Controls Systems Engineer to join their established team in Bloemfontein . This is an on-site position where you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing sophisticated control systems for complex machinery and automated processes. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in control theory, PLC programming, HMI development, and system integration. You will work on challenging projects, contributing to the enhancement of operational efficiency and system performance for a diverse range of industrial clients. If you are a motivated engineer looking to apply your expertise in a hands-on environment and drive innovation in automation, this role is an excellent fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) logic for various automation systems using industry-standard programming languages (e.g., ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram).
• Develop and configure Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Integrate hardware components, including sensors, actuators, and drives, into control systems.
• Perform system commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of automation solutions both in-house and at client sites.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to ensure seamless system integration and functionality.
• Develop and maintain control system documentation, including schematics, programming code, and user manuals.
• Optimize existing control systems for improved performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and field service engineers.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in automation technology, control theory, and relevant software platforms.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in controls systems engineering, with a focus on industrial automation.
• Proficiency in programming multiple PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software packages (e.g., Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong understanding of control theory, servo systems, robotics, and industrial networks (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Profibus).
• Experience with industrial safety systems and standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as required.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Bloemfontein .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Travel opportunities and allowances.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging automation projects.
• A supportive team environment focused on innovation.
• Paid time off and company holidays.