Automation Engineer

Location: South Africa (With local & international travel)

Sector: Advanced Manufacturing / Mining Technology (DetNet Supply Chain)

Education: BEng / BTech / Adv. Diploma in Mechatronics or Electrical/Electronics (Light Current)

Are you a multi-disciplinary Automation Engineer who bridges the gap between software precision and mechanical reality?

We are looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to drive continuous improvement across our manufacturing lines, influence new product development early in the lifecycle (DFM), and establish gold-standard automation frameworks for both local and international production plants.

If you want a role where you can own system design, mentor technicians, and scale cutting-edge automation globally, this is your next challenge.

 Your Technical Tech Stack & Experience

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  Experience: 5–8 years in an automation environment, with at least 3–4 years heavily focused on the design aspect of automated machines (proving your mechanical, electrical, and software engineering capabilities).

  
  


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  PLCs & HMIs: Proven proficiency in programming and designing with Beckhoff and Festo PLCs.

  
  


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  Vision & Pneumatics: Hands-on experience with Festo Vision Systems and Pneumatic Control Systems (design, installation, and programming).

  
  


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  Design Tools: Strong capability in designing electrical wiring diagrams using E-Plan.

  
  


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  Protocols & OS: Solid understanding of Profinet, Modbus TCP, Ethernet IP, and running SSH using Linux commands.

  
  


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  Industry Advantage: Experience with electronic initiation systems within the mining industry is a massive plus.

  
  

Core Responsibilities

1. System Support & Continuous Improvement

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  Optimize, upgrade, and troubleshoot legacy control systems, PLC software, and HMI designs.

  
  


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  Oversee and mentor the Automation Technician on test equipment builds, calibrations, plant repairs, and supplier jig maintenance.

  
  


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  Provide robust remote technical support to our local and international manufacturing facilities.

  
  

2. Design for Manufacture (DFM) & Partner Integration

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  Collaborating with R&D to provide manufacturing insights during early-stage product development to influence better process design.

  
  


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  Act as the technical anchor for outsourced automation vendors—drafting User Requirement Specifications (URS), overseeing commissioning, and ensuring seamless integration into current lines.

  
  

3. Strategy, Standardization & Compliance

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  Gain a deep understanding of our end-to-end supply chain to help shape long-term automation and manufacturing strategies.

  
  


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  Establish standard engineering frameworks (software standards, commissioning sign-offs, and templates) ensuring all test equipment documentation is ISO 9000 compliant.

  
  


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  Evaluate international plant installations to ensure compliance with global country/site standards.

  
  

 Who You Are (Personal Attributes)

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  Analytical Problem Solver: You don't just patch a problem; you find the root cause and engineer a permanent fix.

  
  


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  Natural Leader: Comfortable delegating tasks and upskilling team members through knowledge transfer.

  
  


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  Global Mindset: Equipped with a valid driver’s license, reliable transport, and a willingness to travel both locally and internationally when required.