Senior Industrial Automation Engineer - Remote

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Remote work tools and support

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of automated systems for a remote engineering team. The role emphasizes robotics, PLC/SCADA programming, and data acquisition to improve throughput and reduce costs.

You will mentor junior engineers, architect scalable automation solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, production, and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 6 years progressive experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens/Allen-Bradley), HMI/SCADA development, and robotics programming (FANUC/KUKA).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, data acquisition, and control systems.
• Experience with process control, system integration, and troubleshooting complex automated machinery.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with proven remote work ability.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics.
• Develop automation strategies and roadmaps aligned with business goals.
• Lead integration of new automation technologies into existing processes.
• Troubleshoot automation issues remotely in collaboration with on-site teams.
• Create and maintain technical documentation such as P&IDs and electrical schematics.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for projects.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with Industry 4.0 and related technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a virtual environment.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Robotics programming

Data acquisition

Industrial automation design

Mentorship/leadership

Project management

Remote collaboration

Industry 4.0 concepts

Engineering fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

FANUC robotics

KUKA robotics

HMI/SCADA tooling

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Industrial Automation Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This critical role will lead the design, development, implementation, and optimization of automated systems and processes within our client's manufacturing operations. You will leverage your expertise in robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and data acquisition to enhance efficiency, safety, and production output. As a senior member of the team, you will be expected to provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in automation technologies. The position is remote-first, requiring strong self-discipline, excellent virtual collaboration skills, and the ability to manage projects effectively from a distance. We are looking for a forward-thinking engineer who can architect robust and scalable automation solutions that meet our client's evolving industrial needs. Your work will directly impact our client's competitiveness by improving manufacturing throughput and reducing operational costs through advanced automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics.
• Develop automation strategies and roadmaps to support business objectives and enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead the integration of new automation technologies and equipment into existing manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation-related issues remotely and in collaboration with on-site teams.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, and programming code.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed automation projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (engineering, production, maintenance) in a virtual environment.
• Ensure automation solutions comply with all relevant safety standards and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI/SCADA development, and robotics programming (e.g., FANUC, KUKA).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, data acquisition, and control systems.
• Experience with process control, system integration, and troubleshooting complex automated machinery.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with proven ability to work effectively in a remote team.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and implementation.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed for remote employees.
• Enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere in South Africa while contributing to cutting-edge industrial automation projects.
• Benefits include excellent health coverage, a generous retirement plan, and substantial opportunities for professional development through online courses, certifications, and virtual conferences.
• We provide a robust set of remote work tools and ongoing technical support.
• Paid time off includes annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Join a collaborative and innovative team focused on pushing the boundaries of industrial technology.
• Performance bonuses are awarded based on project success and contributions.