Senior PLC Programmer & Automation Specialist

Placements24

Rustenburg

Hybrid

ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Hybrid work model offering flexibility

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a Senior PLC Programmer & Automation Specialist to design, develop, and commission advanced PLC control systems for mining, manufacturing, and processing plants. The role blends remote work with on-site collaboration at our Rustenburg facility.

You will mentor junior engineers, lead complex automation projects, and ensure solutions meet safety standards and client specifications.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in PLC programming and industrial automation.
Extensive experience with major PLC platforms such as Siemens S7 / TI Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, and RSLogix.
Proficiency in HMI/SCADA software development (WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
Strong understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
Experience with robotic integration and motion control is a plus.
Proven ability to lead complex automation projects and mentor technicians.

Responsibilities

Design, program, and commission PLC systems for new installations and upgrades.
Develop and implement complex control logic, algorithms, and safety systems.
Troubleshoot and debug existing PLC programs to minimize downtime.
Work with HMI/SCADA software to develop interfaces for monitoring and control.
Collaborate with clients and teams to define project requirements and scope.
Conduct site visits for commissioning, testing, and support in a hybrid model.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior automation engineers and technicians.
Stay updated with advancements in industrial automation hardware and software.
Ensure all solutions adhere to industry standards, safety regulations and client specs.
Contribute to technical documentation and user manuals.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics/related field

Tools

Siemens S7 / TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

RSLogix

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly experienced Senior PLC Programmer & Automation Specialist to join our innovative team in Rustenburg, North West. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to work both remotely and from our well-equipped facility, allowing you to contribute to cutting-edge automation projects while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing advanced PLC control systems for a variety of industrial applications, including mining, manufacturing, and processing plants. This position demands a deep understanding of automation technologies, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead complex projects from conception to completion. As a senior member of the team, you will also mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of our automation strategies. We are committed to leveraging technology to drive efficiency and innovation, and your expertise will be crucial in achieving these goals within the Rustenburg region and beyond. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual capable of thriving in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design, program, and commission PLC systems using various platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Studio 5000) for new installations and upgrades.
Develop and implement complex control logic, algorithms, and safety systems for industrial automation.
Troubleshoot and debug existing PLC programs, identifying and resolving issues to minimize operational downtime.
Work with HMI/SCADA software to develop user-friendly interfaces for process monitoring and control.
Collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams to define project requirements and scope.
Conduct site visits for system commissioning, testing, and support as required by the hybrid model.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation engineers and technicians.
Stay updated with the latest advancements in industrial automation hardware and software.
Ensure all automation solutions adhere to industry standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
Contribute to the development of technical documentation, including functional design specifications and user manuals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field.
Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in PLC programming and industrial automation.
Extensive experience with major PLC platforms such as Siemens (TIA Portal, STEP 7), Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, RSLogix), and potentially others.
Proficiency in HMI/SCADA software development (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
Strong understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
Experience with robotic integration and motion control systems is a significant advantage.
Proven ability to lead complex automation projects and manage technical teams.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively liaising with clients and internal stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work with occasional on-site requirements in the Rustenburg area.

Benefits