Senior Electrical Automation Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Automation Engineer for a fully remote role within South Africa. You will design, develop, and support complex automation systems, leading projects from concept to completion while coordinating with global clients.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics with 6+ years in automation, strong PLC programming and robot experience, and sound knowledge of Profinet and EtherNet/IP. Remote work experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Extensive PLC programming experience (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
• Experience with robot programming (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Experience in system design, specification, and implementation of complex automation projects.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and client management skills, with proven remote work experience.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of safety standards for industrial automation (ISO 13849).

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer electrical control systems, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA integration.
• Specify and select automation hardware components, including PLCs, sensors, drives, and robotics.
• Develop and implement robust automation solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and quality in industrial processes.
• Conduct system testing, commissioning, and provide remote support to clients globally.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, control logic documentation, and user manuals.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers, in a remote setting.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Ensure all automation solutions meet client requirements and adhere to industry standards.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA

HMI development

Robot programming

Project management

Client communication

Remote work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

ABB robotics

KUKA robotics

Fanuc robotics

Profinet

EtherNet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation solutions, is looking for a Senior Electrical Automation Engineer to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to work from Mahikeng, North West, or any other location within South Africa. You will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of complex automation systems for a variety of industrial clients. This role requires a deep understanding of PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics, and HMI development, along with excellent project management and client-facing skills. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a passion for innovation in automation and a proven ability to deliver high-quality solutions in a remote environment. We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled individual capable of leading automation projects from concept to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer electrical control systems, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA integration.
• Specify and select automation hardware components, including PLCs, sensors, drives, and robotics.
• Develop and implement robust automation solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and quality in industrial processes.
• Conduct system testing, commissioning, and provide remote support to clients globally.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, control logic documentation, and user manuals.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers, in a remote setting.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Ensure all automation solutions meet client requirements and adhere to industry standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Proficiency in robot programming (e.g., ABB, KUKA, Fanuc) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Experience in system design, specification, and implementation of complex automation projects.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and client management skills, with proven remote work experience.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of safety standards for industrial automation (e.g., ISO 13849).

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed for remote employees, including performance bonuses, excellent medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.
• Continuous professional development is a priority, with access to online training platforms, virtual workshops, and opportunities for advanced certifications.
• This Mahikeng-based remote role offers significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Employees join a dynamic and innovative global team, working on cutting-edge automation projects and contributing to diverse industrial sectors.