Senior Industrial Automation Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Training & certifications in automaton

Exposure to new manufacturing tech

Job stability in Limpopo

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, seeks a Senior Industrial Automation Specialist to design, implement, and optimize automated systems on-site. You will lead PLC/HMI/SCADA projects, integrate robotics, and troubleshoot complex issues to drive manufacturing efficiency.

The role requires hands-on expertise with Allen-Bradley/, Siemens platforms, and robotics from KUKA/ABB/Fanuc, with strong problem-solving and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Expertise in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics (KUKA, ABB, Fanuc).
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, sensors, and control components.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing context.
• Ability to work on-site in Polokwane, with strong teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial machinery and processes.
• Integrate and manage robotic systems, ensuring safe operation.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex automation failures, implementing solutions.
• Perform preventative maintenance and system upgrades.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation for automation systems, including electrical schematics and software configurations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support equipment installations and process changes.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and assess adoption.
• Train maintenance technicians and operators on operation and troubleshooting.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics integration

HMI/SCADA development

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Training technicians

Education

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

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

FactoryTalk

Wonderware

KUKA robotics

ABB robotics

Fanuc robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior Industrial Automation Specialist to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated automated systems that drive efficiency and productivity in our manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in PLC programming, robotics integration, and HMI/SCADA development. You will be responsible for troubleshooting complex automation issues, optimizing existing systems, and contributing to the design of new automated solutions. This position requires a hands‑on approach and significant on‑site presence in Polokwane. You will work closely with the production and engineering teams to ensure seamless operation and continuous improvement of our automated processes. This is a challenging opportunity to work with advanced technologies in a growing industrial region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for industrial machinery and processes.


• Integrate and manage robotic systems, ensuring their efficient and safe operation.


• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex automation system failures, implementing effective solutions.


• Perform preventative maintenance and system upgrades to ensure reliability and performance.


• Develop and maintain detailed documentation for automation systems, including electrical schematics and software configurations.


• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support new equipment installations and process modifications.


• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and propose their adoption where beneficial.


• Train maintenance technicians and operators on the operation and basic troubleshooting of automated equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.


• Expertise in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA software (e.g., FactoryTalk, Wonderware).


• Hands‑on experience with industrial robotics (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc) is required.


• Strong understanding of industrial networks, sensors, and control components.


• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills within a manufacturing context.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team on‑site in Polokwane.


• Strong communication skills for technical discussions and reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.


• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.


• Opportunities for specialized training and certifications in automation technologies.


• Exposure to innovative manufacturing processes and equipment.


• Stable employment within a growing industrial sector in Limpopo.