Senior PLC/SCADA Automation Engineer - Lead FMCG Projects (Benoni)

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Career development opportunities

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Benoni to lead the design, implementation and optimization of PLC and SCADA systems at a major food & beverage facility. You will oversee projects, mentor junior engineers and drive efficiency and process control across the plant.

The role requires a bachelor’s in Electrical or Mechatronics, 7+ years in industrial automation, and strong PLC/SCADA expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 7+ years in industrial automation with PLC/SCADA focus.
• Proven expertise in programming major PLC platforms (Siemens, Rockwell) and SCADA/HMI software.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, instrumentation, and control theory.
• Experience in food & beverage or FMCG sector is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work in a team.
• Project management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC systems (Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA applications.
• Develop and implement robust control strategies for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system issues to minimize downtime.
• Lead automation project execution from concept to commissioning.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operations to identify automation opportunities.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards (SIL) and industry best practices.
• Manage vendor relationships for automation hardware and software procurement.
• Provide training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Maintain detailed documentation including P&IDs and logic diagrams.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI development

Control theory

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Food & beverage automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens S7

Allen-Bradley (Rockwell)

SIMATIC STEP 7 / RSLogix

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Benoni to lead the design, implementation and optimization of PLC and SCADA systems at a major food & beverage facility. You will oversee projects, mentor junior engineers and drive efficiency and process control across the plant.

The role requires a bachelor’s in Electrical or Mechatronics, 7+ years in industrial automation, and strong PLC/SCADA expertise.