- We are seeking a highly experienced and decisive Senior Control Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and execution of major industrial automation projects.
- The ideal candidate will have 10–15 years of industry experience and demonstrate advanced expertise in control system engineering across PLC, SCADA, HMI, and MES platforms.
- This role is critical in establishing engineering standards, developing custom integration solutions, managing large-scale automation projects, and ensuring the successful commissioning and handover of complex manufacturing, process, and distribution systems.
- This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a vibrant team, working with exciting clients across a wide range of markets. Applicants should be prepared to have a diverse role, leading engagements with clients, delivering engineering services, sharing knowledge and innovating delivery of our services.
Role Responsibilities
Control Systems Strategy, Standards & Governance
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve technical standards, frameworks, and governance for PLC, SCADA, MES, and OT architectures
- Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned to industry standards (ISA, IEC, ISA-88, etc.)
- Drive consistency, quality assurance, and best practices across all control system implementations
- Contribute to enterprise-wide architecture strategies and digital transformation initiatives
End-to-End System Design & Engineering
- Lead the full software and control system lifecycle, from concept and architecture design to detailed engineering and code development
Develop:
- Control philosophies, system architectures, and functional specifications
- PLC/DCS logic, SCADA/HMI applications, and MES integrations
- Design for continuous and batch process environments, including ISA‑88-aligned solutions
- Ensure integration of multi-vendor systems across electrical, mechanical, and IT/OT domains
Systems Integration, Programming & Configuration
- Configure and integrate PLC, SCADA, HMI, DCS, and MES platforms across complex industrial environments
- Implement communication between systems using industrial protocols
- Develop data integration layers, historian connectivity, and enterprise system interfaces
- Ensure robust interoperability across legacy and greenfield systems
Commissioning, Testing & Handover
Lead and manage end-to-end commissioning of plant or process systems, including:
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
- System validation, redlining, and defect resolution
- Oversee start-up, operator training, and final client handover
- Provide advanced troubleshooting and stabilization support in live environment
Project Delivery, Commercial Oversight & Client Engagement
Manage control system project delivery across the lifecycle:
- Scope, schedule, cost, and risk management
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, contractors, vendors, and stakeholders
- Serve as the primary technical interface with clients, ensuring alignment to business and operational objectives
- Support bid development, technical proposals, and solution definition
Engineering Design, Hardware & Network Architecture
Specify and design:
- Industrial control panels, instrumentation, and field devices
- Industrial communication networks and OT infrastructure (LAN/WAN, fibre, segmentation, cybersecurity)
Develop engineering deliverables:
- P&IDs, I/O lists, control narratives, architecture diagrams, and technical documentation
- Ensure compliance with engineering codes, standards, and regulatory requirements
Performance Optimisation & Continuous Improvement
- Analyse plant performance using historian data and analytics tools to identify improvement opportunities
- Perform root cause analysis, loop tuning, and system optimisation
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reliability, and uptime
- Support modernization, upgrades, and Industry 4.0 initiatives
Leadership, Mentorship & Capability Building
- Provide technical leadership and direction to project teams
- Mentor and coach junior engineers and system integrators
- Plan and oversee site activities, installations, and resource allocation
- Foster a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and engineering excellence
Minimum requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree or BTech in Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field - Essential
- Registered as a Professional Engineer/Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa - Essential
- 8-10 years of hands-on experience as an Automation Engineer or System Integrator within industrial environments.
- Proven experience delivering large-scale automation and control system projects.
Skills, and characteristics
- PLC Programming: Expert proficiency in major PLC brands, specifically Siemens (TIA/S7), Allen Bradley (RsLogix/Studio 5000), Schneider (Control Expert), Beckhoff and CodeSys.
- SCADA and MES Systems: Extensive experience with Ignition, Wonderware InTouch/System Platform, Siemens WinCC, MES integration and customization, Batch control system, L1/L2/L3 architecture implementation.
- Software & Database Skills: Strong computer programming skills for systems integration, utilizing languages such as C#, Python, SQL (Postgres & MS SQL), and web technologies (REST APIs, JSON).
- Industrial Networking: Advance knowledge of modern industrial protocols and topologies, including ProfiNet, EtherCAT, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and MQTT.
Competencies
- Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Ability to diagnose complex system issues and design robust solutions
- Project & Delivery Management: Managing timelines, scope, risks across multiple concurrent projects
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Translating technical concepts for clients, contractors, and non-technical stakeholders
- Leadership & Mentoring: Guiding junior engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
- Attention to Detail & Quality Focus: Ensuring accuracy in system design, coding, and documentation
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