AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN – AUTOMATION LEAD

SUMMARY:
AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN – AUTOMATION LEAD

POSITION INFO:

📍 Location: Pretoria
💰 Salary: R35 000 – R45 000 (Depending on Experience)

We are seeking an experienced Automation Lead to take ownership of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and robotic automation projects from development through to commissioning and final handover. This is a senior, hands-on role for a technically strong leader who enjoys mentoring teams while delivering complex automation solutions to a high standard.

⚙️ Role Overview

The Automation Lead will lead software development, commissioning, and on-site installation teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in full compliance with quality and safety standards. You will act as a key technical interface between clients, engineers, and internal stakeholders.

🧠 Experience Required

* Proven experience in PLC programming and robot programming, preferably within the automotive sector
* Hands-on experience with KUKA robots

* Experience with Beckhoff and Siemens PLCs

🛠️ Key Responsibilities (KPIs)
🔹 Project Management

* Plan and coordinate automation projects from initiation to commissioning
* Define project scope, milestones, resources, and delivery timelines
* Track project progress against schedules, budgets, and risk registers
* Conduct regular progress meetings and provide structured updates to stakeholders

🔹 Technical Delivery

* Lead and execute software tasks including:
– PLC programming (Siemens / Beckhoff)
– HMI development
– SCADA configuration
– Robot programming, calibration, and system integration (KUKA / ABB / FANUC / Yaskawa)
* Manage daily PLC and robot backups with correct naming conventions and secure storage
* Interpret control system architectures, I/O lists, function block diagrams, and network layouts
* Troubleshoot automation, robotics, communication, and instrumentation faults
* Collaborate with engineering teams on program changes, reworks, and optimisation
* Conduct FAT, SAT, commissioning, and final handover testing

👥 Leadership & Team Development

* Allocate tasks, monitor execution, and ensure quality and compliance
* Mentor and develop junior automation technicians
* Support recruitment and onboarding of automation team members when required

💻 Computer Skills

* Computer literacy: MS Windows, Outlook, Excel, Project
* AutoCAD experience advantageous

🎓 Qualifications

* Degree or National Diploma in Electrical, Mechatronic, or Industrial Automation Engineering
OR
* Relevant trade certificate (Electrical, Millwright, or Mechatronic)