Job details

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.
 

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

• 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

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success.  We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.  We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.  In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.