About SA Metal Group

SA Metal Group is South Africa’s oldest and one of its largest metal recycling companies. Founded in 1919 by Wolfe Barnett, it has remained a family-owned business for four generations. SA Metal Group purchases, collects, processes, and recycles both ferrous metals (iron and steel) and non-ferrous metals (including aluminum, copper, zinc, brass, and lead). The company acquires its scrap metal from various sources, including industrial companies, factories, scrap metal dealers, private individuals, and demolition projects.

Job description

The Engineering department has a vacancy for an Automation Engineer. The position requires an experienced, methodical, process-driven individual. The successful candidate will be responsible for problem solving and the management of daily work tasks. The successful candidate’s duties and responsibilities will include:

• Build and maintain various SCADA packages
• Drive plant optimization and visualization
• Manage the standardization of all control systems
• Record the bill of materials for all SA Metal machines
• Drafting of Machine user/operator manuals and providing training on the operations
• Develop automated reports on machine performance, breakdowns and stoppages
• Manage projects, machine upgrades and machine control replacements
• Update electrical and control drawings, ensure all drawings are relevant.
• Implement and manage a control change request system
• Managing the servicing of any electronic components
• Planning and managing of routine jobs, unscheduled breakdowns
• Initiating, planning and conducting research for projects
• Improve the machine fault reporting system
• Provide a technical report on machine failure based on failure reports
• Ensure calibrated instrumentation are serviced and meets the required tolerances
• Assist the electrical department with fault finding
• Provide remote after hour support with breakdowns
• Provide technical support and collaborate with our Gauteng branches
• Provide technical support and collaborate with SA Steelworks
• Practice and apply Health and Safety practice

Qualifying Criteria

• Minimum of 10 years working experience in a similar or heavy industry
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Strong Scada development skills (Ignition, Factory Talk, Sematic WinCC)
• Strong PLC programming skills (Delta, Allen? Bradley, Siemens)
• Ability to integrate different devices to a PLC and Scada system
• Good understanding of different communication protocols (Modbus, TCP, Ethernet/IP)
• Java scripting would be an added benefit
• Able to work in a pressurized and demanding environment
• Must have your own reliable transport
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Sound communication skills (understand, read and write English)
• Computer literate (MS Word, MS Excel)
• Strong administrative ability
• Experience working with an Electronic Maintenance system (CWorks)
• Knowledgeable on the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Must be prepared to work overtime when required

Qualifying Attributes

• Must be physical fit and able to work at heights
• Must be of sober habits
• Hands on practical approach to the job
• Hard working and self-motivated
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Display a professional work approach
• Result-driven
• Logical and detail orientated
• Excellent standards in execution
• Commitment to a strong business ethic and integrity
• Priority management
• Excellent communication skills on all levels
• Ability to lead by example
• Critical thinking and conflict resolution ability