Process Automation Engineer

Job Description

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) presents an exciting opportunity for a Process Automation Engineer, to join the Midrand team at CCBA. These roles will report to the Industrial Control & Automation Manager.

CCBA is the 8th largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 14 000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 800 000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 14 countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and the islands of Comoros and Mayotte.

Key Purpose

To design, implement, and optimise automation and control systems that improve manufacturing performance, reliability, safety, and efficiency while supporting digital transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Key Outcomes

Automation Systems Engineering and Development

• Design and implement automation solutions including PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for manufacturing processes.

• Develop standard code modules, templates, and system architectures for consistency across sites.

• Ensure automation systems meet control and production requirements with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

Integration and Digital Manufacturing Enablement

• Integrate automation platforms with MES, ERP, quality systems, and industrial IoT solutions.

• Support data acquisition and reporting through historians and real-time dashboards.

• Contribute to the deployment of digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 capabilities.

System Optimization and Lifecycle Support

• Continuously monitor and enhance automation system performance to reduce downtime and optimize throughput.

• Manage lifecycle of automation assets including upgrades, obsolescence planning, and backups.

• Provide detailed documentation including Functional Design Specifications (FDS), software versioning, and change logs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Governance

• Work closely with Process Control Engineers, Maintenance, Quality, IT/OT, and Manufacturing Execution teams to ensure automation reliability.

• Ensure adherence to corporate standards, cybersecurity policies, and regulatory compliance.

• Provide technical support to site-based automation engineers and contractors.

Project and Commissioning Support

• Lead or support automation scope in capital and improvement projects including FAT/SAT, commissioning, and validation.

• Ensure alignment with standards in electrical, instrumentation, and automation components.

• Work with Engineering and Capital Projects teams to ensure seamless integration of automation elements.

Skills, Experience & Education

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, or Control Systems Engineering

• Postgraduate qualifications or certifications in automation, industrial networks, or digital manufacturing are advantageous

• Certified training in automation platforms is preferred

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in process automation within a manufacturing or industrial environment, preferably in the beverage, FMCG, or food sector

• Hands-on experience with PLC/HMI programming, control systems commissioning, and system integration

• Exposure to multi-site support or corporate automation roles is beneficial

• Experience working on automation scopes within capital projects

Skills

• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting PLCs and HMIs

• Experience with SCADA systems and integration with MES/ERP systems

• Understanding of industrial communication protocols

• Strong skills in process data analysis, automation reporting, and system diagnostics

• Familiarity with version control systems, structured logic development, and documentation best practices

• Awareness of safety instrumented systems and relevant industrial standards (e.g., ISA-88, ISA-95)

• Collaboration and stakeholder management skills for effective cross-functional engagement

General

The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional or relevant information as criteria for short-listing. Only applications submitted through the e-recruitment portal will be accepted.