Software Engineer: Multi-Machine Control

NOV; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative team environment

Exposure to global projects

Mission-critical systems experience

Job summary

NOV South Africa is seeking a Software Engineer to support and develop the Multi-Machine Control automation package. The role involves integrating, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems across multiple machines and equipment platforms, based in Gqeberha.

The successful candidate will collaborate with product experts, commissioning teams, and engineering stakeholders, contributing to reliable performance, documentation, and customer acceptance testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in software, electrical, automation, mechatronics or related field.
• Industrial automation certifications are advantageous.
• Experience with integrated automation systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support development, integration, and testing of MMC automation systems.
• Perform system-level testing for multi-machine operation.
• Diagnose and resolve automation issues across interconnected systems.
• Debug and optimize machine control logic and sequencing.
• Develop clear technical documentation and test procedures.
• Provide technical support during integration and customer acceptance.
• Travel for commissioning or support as needed.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Siemens TIA Portal

Siemens S7

Beckhoff Structured Text

Allen-Bradley

System integration

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

Industrial automation certifications

Tools

Github

TwinCAT

TIA Portal

S7 PLCs

Beckhoff

Job description

Software Engineer – Multi-Machine Control Automation

NOV South Africa is seeking a skilled and highly motivated Software Engineer to support and develop NOV’s Multi-Machine Control (MMC) automation package. The successful candidate will play a critical role in integrating, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems across multiple machines and equipment platforms. This position is based in Gqeberha.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Exposure to global projects and advanced engineering solutions
• Work on mission-critical systems impacting safety and operations worldwide

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development, integration, and testing of NOV’s Multi-Machine Control (MMC) automation systems.
• Perform system-level testing to ensure multiple machines and subsystems operate together reliably and efficiently.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC software using:
• Beckhoff / TwinCat / Structured Text
• Siemens TIA Portal and S7 PLC platforms
• Github
• Diagnose and resolve automation, communication, and process-related issues across interconnected systems.
• Work closely with product experts, commissioning teams, and engineering stakeholders to identify and implement effective solutions.
• Debug and optimize machine control logic, sequencing, and automation performance.
• Support commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting activities both in simulation and live operational environments.
• Analyze machine interaction, process flow, and system behavior to improve reliability and performance.
• Assist with network configuration and industrial communication troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain clear technical documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide technical support during system integration and customer acceptance testing.
• Perform additional engineering and support tasks as required to meet project and operational goals.

Required Skills And Qualifications

Technical Competencies

• Strong experience in industrial automation systems and machine control integration.
• Advanced PLC programming and troubleshooting skills, particularly with:
• Siemens TIA Portal
• Siemens S7 PLCs
• Allen-Bradley
• Beckhoff Structured Text
• Strong understanding of machine-to-machine interactions and process automation.
• Experience testing and debugging complex automation systems involving multiple machines or subsystems.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks and protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis capabilities.
• Experience working with electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical system interfaces.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and product teams.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Marine Engineering or a related field.
• Relevant industrial automation certifications would be advantageous.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with integrated automation systems in industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to commissioning and field troubleshooting activities.
• Experience with simulation and test environments is advantageous.
• Experience with high-level programming (C++/C+) is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable working with complex machinery, automation systems, and testing equipment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for commissioning or support activities if required.
• Ability to work in an office‑based team environment

Personal Attributes

• Hands‑on and solution‑oriented with a strong sense of ownership
• Able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Interest in automation and offshore drilling systems
• Willing to share knowledge and continuously learn
• Reliable, structured, and quality‑focused