Senior Engineer Automation

Anglo American / De Beers Group; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mining and metals company in South Africa is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to oversee safety practices, develop automation strategies, and manage technical teams. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in control and instrumentation, with relevant engineering qualifications. This role offers meaningful work in a high-performance environment with opportunities for development and progression.

Benefits

Market-aligned reward and recognition

Opportunities for learning and development

Commitment to safe operations

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• 5 – 7 years experience in relevant control and instrumentation environment.
• Relevant graduate engineering degree.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safety and health principles ensuring zero harm.
• Define and implement automation technical strategy.
• Audit and benchmark automation technology segments.
• Manage applicable Research and Development portfolio.

Skills

Control solutions design

Line Management

Project Management

Risk management

Siemens PLC systems

Education

BEng/Tech in Electrical/Electronic or Computer Engineering

Honours degree in Electrical/Electronic or Computer Engineering

Job description

Company Description

Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals (PGMs), with integrated mining, smelting, and refining operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, marketing the metal we produce globally.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Valterra Platinum is positioned to define and pursue its own strategy, anchored in operational excellence, sustainability, and value creation for the long-term. With full accountability for our performance and growth, we are focused on strengthening our capabilities across the entire PGM value chain, from mine to market.

Our independence empowers us to deepen our commitment to stakeholders and lead with purpose – to Unearth Value to Better Our World. We remain steadfast in our ambition to be the world’s foremost producer of platinum group metals, while embedding safety and sustainability in everything we do.

If you're driven by purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join us. Apply today and be part of something bigger.

Job Description

Number of positions: 1

Location of position: Waterval Smelter

Job responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Safety: Oversee consistent application of Safety & Health principles in all discipline interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities.

Performance and Delivery:

• Assist in defining the automation technical strategy in the applicable mining and processing focus areas and ensure its implementation.
• Align the automation strategy with the corporate and production drivers.
• Develop and maintain the automation strategy documents to support and develop applicable and new technology focus for use by both central and production control teams.
• Define best practice in specific automation technological focus areas.
• Establish network of excellence in the applicable industry to support technical focus areas.
• Audit & benchmark the automation technology segments.
• Review operational efficiency versus control system objectives.
• Define required support structures to ensure sustainability of applicable automation technology areas.
• Benchmark technology deployed and results achieved against the industry standards and best practices.
• Manage and Direct Research & Development project in the automation technology focus areas.
• Manage applicable Research and Development portfolio as instructed to support the automation technology strategy.
• Identify suitable automation technology centers of excellence to support technology strategy.
• Align R&D output with the automation technology strategy.
• Provide reports and perform controls audits for improvement.
• Ensure application of correct Standards.
• Participate in technical feedback on site.
• Perform the technical lead function on all automation SIB and Capex projects.

People & Teams:

• Implement a purpose-driven, high-performing culture that is aligned with the company values, is inclusive and promotes diversity, supports engagement and fosters continuous improvement to work processes.

Compliance:

• Ensure compliance to internal and external regulatory, legislative and permitting requirements

This role is at a Band 6 level reporting to Senior Engineering Manager

Qualifications

• Relevant graduate degree, BEng/Tech in Electrical/Electronic or Computer Engineering
• Honours degree in Electrical/Electronic or Computer Engineering will be advantageous

Experience

• 5 – 7 years experience in relevant control and instrumentation environment

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive experience in the design, implementation and maintenance of control solutions
• Experience in Line Management of technical teams
• Advance Project Management skills
• Proficient knowledge on relevant standards and codes of practice
• Advanced skills in risk management controls
• Siemens PLC and control system training and experience

Additional Information

What We Offer

At Valterra Platinum, you will join a team committed to excellence and impact.

We offer:

• Meaningful work in a high-performance, values-led environment.
• Market-aligned reward and recognition.
• Opportunities for learning, development and progression.
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation.
• A clear commitment to safe Operations.

Inclusion and Diversity

Valterra Platinum is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfill their potential.

Valterra Platinum has a zero tolerance to dignity harms, these include all acts of gender based violence, bullying, harassment and victimisation. Ensuring the safety of our employees extends beyond physical safety and includes the eradication of harmful behaviours from our workplace. This responsibility extends to everyone at Valterra Platinum both during work hours and outside of work. We are unconditional in creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form via this job advert.

Closing Date

10 November 2025

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