Automation Engineer

Purpose of the job:

• To identify areas of improvement in current manufacturing equipment processes. Provide manufacturing insight on new projects and implement new automation and manufacturing standards for projects.

Required outputs: Functional

Support of existing equipment 

Provide technical support to current legacy equipment and systems by:

• Supporting and continuously improving the current control systems.
• Upgrading / improving PLC software and HMI designs.
• Understanding and supporting all mechanical aspects of the equipment.
• Oversee and assist the Automation Technician where required with the following:
• Building and repairing of test equipment.
• Plant equipment repairs and installation
• Maintenance and repairs of jigs and fixtures at suppliers.
• Ensuring that equipment is calibrated and in working order.
• Maintaining test equipment for use in production facilities.
• Provide remote technical plant support for local and international plants.
• Understanding and designing of wiring diagrams on E-Plan.

Development and interaction with automation suppliers 

• Keeping abreast of new product development in R&D.
• Provide manufacturing insight to projects where new products are developed or major changes are made to existing products, this is done with the intention of influencing product or process design early in the product development life cycle- DFM (Design for Manufacture).
• Engagement and involved with external automation partners
• Provide support to outsourced automation companies
• Help create documentation such as a user requirement specification.
• Provide technical assistance, commissioning oversight, integration into current systems.
• Provide long-term support to manufacturing and automation projects implemented through outsourced companies.

General

• Identify potential areas of improvement in current manufacturing equipment or processes.
• Gain a good understanding of the entire Detnet supply chain in order to assist in providing input to long term automation and manufacturing strategies
• Play a key role in the development of new systems from an Automation Engineering aspect.
• Constantly develop skills of a technical nature to be an expert in the field of automation.
• Investigate and evaluate equipment to be used in international installations to ensure it will comply with the applicable site / country standards
• Ensure documentation created for test equipment is ISO 9000 complaint 
• Assist the current manufacturing personnel with new Automation and Manufacturing standards for projects
• Assist in creating a framework of how engineering type projects are run within manufacturing, covering aspects such as Software standards, documentation, project planning framework templates for automation, creating standards for parts and processes, commissioning procedures and sign offs.
• Knowledge transfer
• Actively engage with senior personnel on the manufacturing team to expand knowledge base of the current systems and standards.
• Share relevant knowledge of the manufacturing processes and systems to other team members to raise the level of technical capabilities of the team.

Requirements: Qualifications and Experience

• Ideal qualification BEng in Mechatronics, a BTECH or Advanced Diploma in Mechatronics, Electronics or Electrical Engineering (light current) will be considered.
• 5-8 years’ experience in working in an automation environment
• A minimum of 3-4 years’ work experience involved in the design aspect of automated machines, demonstrating mechanical, electrical, software and control engineering skills.
• Experience in working with Beckhoff and Festo PLCs.
• Experience in PLC programming and HMI designing 
• Experience in Pneumatic Control Systems (understanding, installing, and writing programmes). 
• Experience in Festo Vision Systems. 
• Proficient in Profinet, Modbus TCP and Ethernet IP protocols. 
• SSH using Linux commands. 
• Experience in using E-plan. 
• Experience in electronic initiation systems in the mining industry is advantageous.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent analytical skill and problem-solving skills.
• Able to delegate and manage work assignments to appropriate resources.
• Must be able to travel locally and internationally.
• Must have own transport and valid driver’s license.