Senior Electrical Automation Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension fund contributions

Relocation assistance may be available

Advanced training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Automation Engineer for on-site duties in Rustenburg, focusing on designing, implementing, and maintaining electrical control systems in mining and industrial settings.

You will lead PLC/HMI/SCADA projects, troubleshoot complex systems, ensure safety compliance, and mentor maintenance teams while adopting new automation technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• At least 6 years in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proficient in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with electrical power systems and motor control.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLCs from various vendors.
• Develop and implement HMI and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical and automation systems to minimize downtime.
• Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures.
• Develop electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Collaborate with operations to identify automation opportunities.
• Ensure safety standards compliance in designs and implementations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

Ethernet/IP

VSDs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining and industrial automation sector, is seeking an accomplished Senior Electrical Automation Engineer to join their operations in Rustenburg . This role is critical for enhancing the efficiency, safety, and reliability of complex automated systems within industrial environments. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical control systems, PLCs, SCADA, and HMI. You will be instrumental in troubleshooting intricate automation challenges, optimizing existing processes, and developing innovative solutions to meet evolving operational demands. This is an on-site position requiring a dedicated professional committed to on-ground project execution and support, contributing directly to the operational success of our client's facilities in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) from various vendors (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Develop and implement Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Troubleshoot and maintain complex electrical and automation systems to minimize downtime.
• Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and network diagrams.
• Collaborate with operations teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and automation enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations in all automation designs and implementations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and recommend upgrades or new solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Experience with VSDs, servo drives, and industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong understanding of electrical power systems, motor control, and instrumentation.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem‑solving skills in a live production environment.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to work on‑site in Rustenburg and potentially respond to emergencies.

Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certifications.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge automation technologies in the mining sector.
• Stable employment with a reputable company.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.