Senior Electrical Automation Engineer

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Vendor certifications

Hybrid working

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Electrical Automation Engineer in Midrand, SA, to design, implement, and support automated control systems for diverse industrial clients. You will translate client needs into robust automation solutions, leveraging PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, and electrical panel development.

The role is hybrid, with on-site work at client facilities or our office and remote design work. A track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget is required, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in industrial automation engineering focusing on PLC/HMI/SCADA.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer electrical control systems incl. PLC, HMI, sensors, actuators.
• Develop PLC logic for multiple platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Omron).
• Design and configure HMIs and SCADA systems.
• Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Electrical schematics

Problem solving

Client-facing

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics degree

Tools

TIA Portal

Studio 5000

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of industrial automation solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Automation Engineer to join their progressive team in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA. This role is pivotal in the design, development, implementation, and support of automated control systems for a diverse range of industrial clients. You will be responsible for translating client requirements into robust and efficient automation solutions, utilizing your expertise in PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA systems, and electrical panel design. This hybrid role allows for effective collaboration both on-site at client facilities or our office and remotely for design work and administrative tasks. We are looking for a technically adept engineer with strong problem-solving skills and a passion for automation technology. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully delivering complex automation projects on time and within budget, ensuring operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to major industrial advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer electrical control systems, including the specification of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
• Develop and program PLC logic for various platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Omron).
• Design and configure Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using CAD software.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and testing of automation systems at client sites.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing automation installations.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to define project requirements and ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation.
• Conduct site assessments and provide recommendations for automation upgrades and improvements.
• Mentor junior automation engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation engineering, with a strong focus on PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development.
• Proficiency with leading PLC brands such as Siemens (TIA Portal) and Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View, Ignition).
• Ability to design and interpret electrical schematics and control system architectures.
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, managing time between remote and on-site duties.
• Experience in robotics integration is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for extensive training on the latest automation technologies and vendor certifications.
• Exposure to a wide variety of industries and challenging automation projects.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Travel opportunities to client sites both locally and internationally.
• A dynamic and forward-thinking work environment.