Senior Industrial Automation Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension & life insurance

Training & certification

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Industrial Automation Engineer for our Durban operations. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems to optimize industrial processes.

You will lead the development of scalable control architectures, drive advanced automation strategies, and collaborate with production and maintenance teams to ensure reliable plant performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLCs from major manufacturers (Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider).
• Experience with SCADA and HMI software platforms (Ignition, Wonderware, WinCC).
• Knowledge of industrial networks (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems.
• Strong understanding of process control principles and instrumentation.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the food & beverage or chemical processing industries is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for industrial automation projects.
• Develop and maintain control system architecture, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Implement advanced automation strategies, including robotics integration, motion control, and process optimization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with existing automation systems to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and engineering, to define automation requirements and deliver solutions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including P&IDs, functional design specifications, and user manuals.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards for all automated systems.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation and propose improvements.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel.

Skills

PLCs programming

SCADA

HMI development

Industrial networking

Motion control

Process control

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Rockwell Automation

Schneider Electric

Ignition

Wonderware

WinCC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the manufacturing and process industries, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Industrial Automation Engineer to join their team in Durban . This role is crucial for optimizing production processes, enhancing efficiency, and implementing state-of-the- art automation solutions.

You will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of complex control systems, PLCs, SCADA, and HMI applications.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, with hands‑on experience in programming and troubleshooting various automation platforms.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the modernization of industrial facilities and drive significant improvements in operational performance within the vibrant industrial hub of Durban .

We foster a collaborative environment that values innovation and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for industrial automation projects.
• Develop and maintain control system architecture, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Implement advanced automation strategies, including robotics integration, motion control, and process optimization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with existing automation systems to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and engineering, to define automation requirements and deliver solutions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including P&IDs, functional design specifications, and user manuals.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards for all automated systems.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation and propose improvements.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in programming logic controllers (PLCs) from major manufacturers (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric).
• Experience with SCADA and HMI software platforms (e.g., Ignition, Wonderware, WinCC).
• Knowledge of industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems.
• Strong understanding of process control principles and instrumentation.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the food & beverage or chemical processing industries is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Pension fund and life insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certification in automation technologies.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging automation projects in Durban .
• Annual performance bonus.
• Supportive and dynamic work environment.