Senior Industrial Automation Lead — On‐Site In Polokwane

Placements24; Polokwane; Remote; ZAR 720,000 - 1,080,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Remote collaboration tools

Performance bonuses

Professional development

South Africa-wide flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer for a fully remote role. You will design, develop, and implement automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA to enhance manufacturing processes from your home office.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in control systems engineering, hands-on experience with robotics programming and commissioning, and excellent remote communication skills to collaborate with clients and project teams worldwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC platforms (Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA (Wonderware, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Robotics programming and integration.
• Strong electrical principles, control theory, and industrial networking.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication for remote work.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation projects.
• Program and configure robots, servo drives, and other automation hardware.
• Create detailed electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Conduct remote commissioning and testing of automation systems.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for installed automation solutions.
• Collaborate with clients and project managers to define automation requirements and scope.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in automation technology and recommend their adoption.
• Participate in project planning, risk assessment, and resource allocation.
• Ensure automation solutions meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Robotics programming

Electrical engineering knowledge

Control systems

Remote work communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics/Control Systems

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

Wonderware

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Automation Engineer . This is a fully remote position, allowing you to design, develop, and implement automation systems from your home office. You will play a critical role in enhancing manufacturing processes through the application of robotics, PLCs, and other automation technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in control systems engineering, a proven ability to design and program automated machinery, and experience with commissioning and troubleshooting. You will collaborate closely with clients and internal project teams, providing remote expertise and support throughout the project lifecycle. This role demands creativity, a problem‑solving mindset, and excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts. Our client is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive remote work environment where innovation thrives and employees are empowered to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial automation projects.
• Program and configure robots, servo drives, and other automation hardware.
• Create detailed electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Conduct remote commissioning and testing of automation systems.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for installed automation solutions.
• Collaborate with clients and project managers to define automation requirements and scope.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in automation technology and recommend their adoption.
• Participate in project planning, risk assessment, and resource allocation.
• Ensure automation solutions meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation engineering.
• Proficiency in programming various PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Mitsubishi).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., Wonderware, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Knowledge of robotics programming and integration.
• Strong understanding of electrical principles, control theory, and industrial networking.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and effectively in a remote setting.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage project timelines remotely.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the significant advantage of a fully remote work arrangement.
• Enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere in South Africa while contributing to cutting‑edge industrial automation projects.
• Our client values innovation and invests in employee development, offering continuous learning opportunities and access to cutting‑edge technology.
• Supportive work environment with virtual team collaboration.
• Performance bonuses are awarded based on project success and contributions.