Remote Electrical Design Engineer - Automation Specialist

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative and experienced Remote Electrical Design Engineer with a specialization in automation to join their globally distributed team. This role is based out of Paarl, Western Cape but is a fully remote position, offering you the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be responsible for designing and developing sophisticated electrical control systems and automation solutions for a variety of industrial applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and industrial networking. We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive engineer who can thrive in a remote work setting, effectively collaborating with team members across different time zones.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects without the need for physical relocation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement electrical schematics and control system architectures for automated processes.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron) and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Select and specify automation components, sensors, actuators, and drives.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control narratives, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams.
• Collaborate remotely with clients and internal teams to define project requirements and ensure successful project delivery.
• Conduct virtual FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) and support SATs (Site Acceptance Tests) remotely.
• Research and recommend new automation technologies to enhance system performance and efficiency.
• Ensure all designs adhere to relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to remote field service teams.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and best practices within a remote-first environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in electrical design and automation engineering.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text) and HMI/SCADA software development.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with electrical CAD software for schematic generation.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in a remote collaboration context.
• Self-motivated and able to manage workload effectively in a remote setup.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting complex automation systems.
• Familiarity with safety standards related to industrial automation (e.g., IEC 61508).
• Experience with robotic integration is a plus.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Home office setup allowance.
• Access to cutting-edge automation technologies and challenging international projects.
• Opportunities for professional growth and specialized training.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement savings plans.
• Collaborative and supportive virtual team environment.