Senior Electrical Automation Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Advanced training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Automation Engineer to join their Mossel Bay facility. This hands-on, on-site role focuses on the design, implementation and optimization of automated electrical systems within a state‑of‑the‑art production environment.

You will lead PLC, HMI and SCADA projects, collaborate with mechanical and production teams, mentor junior engineers, review schematics and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 6+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience programming PLCs from major manufacturers (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Experience developing HMIs and SCADA systems; knowledge of industrial protocols.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC and HMI systems for automated processes.
• Develop and maintain SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and control.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and production staff to integrate solutions.
• Spec electrical components, provide documentation, and maintain safety standards.
• Lead and mentor junior automation engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with automation technology and propose improvements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Electrical infrastructure

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

SCADA software

HMI development tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Automation Engineer to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is critical for the design, implementation, and optimization of automated electrical systems within their state-of-the-art production facility. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems, coupled with a strong understanding of industrial electrical infrastructure. This is a hands-on, on-site position, offering a stable career path within a company renowned for its technological innovation in the Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC and HMI systems for various automated processes.
• Develop and maintain SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and control.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues, minimizing production downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers and production staff, to integrate automation solutions.
• Specify and select electrical components, sensors, and control devices.
• Implement electrical safety standards and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Develop and manage electrical documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and user manuals.
• Lead and mentor junior automation engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and recommend improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficiency in programming logic controllers (PLCs) from major manufacturers such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Mitsubishi.
• Experience in developing human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Understanding of servo drives, robotics, and vision systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to work full-time on-site in Mossel Bay .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive medical aid, a generous pension fund, and opportunities for advanced training and professional development. Employees are part of a progressive company that values innovation and invests in its workforce. This role in Mossel Bay provides the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a rewarding environment within the beautiful Western Cape .