Senior Systems Engineer - Robotics & Automation

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Conference attendance

Advanced tooling

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Robotics and Automation for our East London facility. You will lead design, integration, and testing of advanced robotic systems used in research environments.

The role requires expertise in mechatronics, control systems, robotics, and automation engineering, with a track record managing complex projects from concept to deployment.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in systems engineering, robotics, and automation.
• Proven expertise in robot kinematics and dynamics, control system design (PID, state-space), and sensor integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex robotic systems and automated research platforms.
• Define system architecture, select components, and develop integration strategies for electromechanical systems.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for robot manipulators, mobile robots, and automated machinery.
• Perform system testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with research scientists and engineers to understand their automation needs and translate them into technical specifications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for assigned automation projects.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in robotics, automation, and control systems technology.

Skills

Robotics

Automation

Control systems

Mechatronics

C++

Python

ROS

Education

Master's / PhD in relevant field

Tools

CAD/CAE

ROS

PLC programming

Python

C++

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forefront organization in scientific research and development, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer with a specialization in Robotics and Automation for their **East London** facility. This role is critical for the design, integration, and testing of advanced robotic systems and automated processes used in research environments. You will play a key role in developing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, precision, and safety in our laboratories and experimental setups. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechatronics, control systems, robotics, and automation engineering, with a proven ability to manage complex engineering projects from concept to deployment. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge R&D within a leading institution situated in **East London**, Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex robotic systems and automated research platforms.
• Define system architecture, select components, and develop integration strategies for electromechanical systems.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for robot manipulators, mobile robots, and automated machinery.
• Perform system testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with research scientists and engineers to understand their automation needs and translate them into technical specifications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for assigned automation projects.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in robotics, automation, and control systems technology.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in systems engineering, robotics, and automation.
• Proven expertise in robot kinematics and dynamics, control system design (PID, state-space), and sensor integration.
• Experience with CAD/CAE software for mechanical design and simulation.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in robotics (e.g., C++, Python) and experience with robotics middleware (e.g., ROS).
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation standards is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and system integration skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, research-oriented environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional growth through continuous learning, conference attendance, and engagement with pioneering R&D projects.
• Employees will benefit from access to advanced automation tools and facilities at our **East London**, Eastern Cape site.
• This hybrid role encourages a balance between collaborative on-site work and remote flexibility, supporting a productive work-life integration.