Mechatronics/Automation Engineer

Minimum Experience:

·         BEng / BSc Eng / BTech in:

o    Mechatronic Engineering

o    Electrical Engineering

o    Electronic Engineering

o    Electromechanical Engineering

·         ECSA registration (Candidate Engineer preferred; Professional registration advantageous).

·         Valid driver's license.

·         Proficiency in PLC programming and Experience with PLC platforms such as:

o    Siemens (TIA Portal / Step 7)

o    Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 / RSLogix)

o    Danfoss (Plus+ 1 Guide) – Preferred

o    Generic (CODESYS) – Preferred

o    Etc.

·         Strong understanding of CAN Bus communication systems and SAE J1939 protocols.

·         Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a Mechatronics/Automation or vehicle systems engineering role.

·         Proven experience in mobile equipment, automotive, mining machinery, heavy equipment or related environments.

·         Demonstrated practical experience in design and implementation of machine control systems

·         Experience with underground Trackless Mobile Machinery (TMM) preferred.

·         Experience with battery-electric vehicle (BEV) systems advantageous.

Technical Responsibilities:

Machine Control Systems Development:

·         Develop, program, test, and validate machine control software using Danfoss PLUS+1 GUIDE.

·         Design distributed machine control architectures for propulsion, steering, braking, hydraulic actuation and auxiliary systems.

·         Configure machine controllers, calibration parameters, and software release packages.

·         Develop machine diagnostic logic, fault handling strategies, and embedded control software.

·         Conduct electrical load analysis and component selection for harsh underground operating environments.

PLC Programming & Automation Systems

·         Develop, program, troubleshoot, and commission PLC-based control systems for machine automation and subsystem control.

·         Develop control logic for hydraulic systems, safety interlocks, actuator control systems, machine automation, and process monitoring systems.

·         Integrate PLC systems with HMI displays, sensors, CAN Bus communication networks, remote I/O systems, and industrial communication protocols.

·         Support software debugging, system commissioning, field testing, and controller optimization activities

HMI Development & Operator Interface Systems

·         Design, develop, and configure Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems for machine operation, diagnostics, fault monitoring, and operator feedback.

·         Develop operator display screens for machine status monitoring, alarm management, fault reporting, and subsystem diagnostics.

·         Integrate HMI systems with PLC controllers, machine ECUs, CAN Bus communication networks, and embedded control systems.

·         Develop machine parameter configuration interfaces for service and maintenance activities.

·         Support development of operator warning systems, fault annunciation logic, and machine performance monitoring interfaces.

·         Ensure operator interfaces comply with machine safety and ergonomic design requirements for underground mining applications

CAN Bus & Communication Systems:

·         Develop and troubleshoot CAN Bus communication networks using SAE J1939 and related industrial communication protocols.

·         Integrate communication architecture between controllers, engine ECU systems, operator displays, telematics systems, and safety devices.

·         Perform signal mapping, network diagnostics, and communication fault analysis.

Electro-Hydraulic Systems Integration

·         Design and integrate electro-hydraulic control systems for steering, braking, implement control, and auxiliary hydraulic functions.

·         Develop closed-loop hydraulic control systems utilizing proportional valves, sensors, and actuator feedback systems.

·         Support hydraulic system performance optimization and validation testing.

Testing, Validation & Product Development

·         Develop and execute subsystem and full machine validation test plans.

·         Conduct prototype commissioning, software debugging, machine testing, and field validation activities.

·         Perform root cause analysis on machine failures and implement corrective engineering actions.

·         Support continuous product improvement and machine performance optimization.

Functional Safety & Compliance

·         Develop machine systems compliant with mining safety and international regulatory standards.

·         Implement fail-safe architecture, emergency stop logic, interlock systems, and machine shutdown strategies.

·         Support compliance with ISO 21815, SANS 1589, EMC/EMI requirements, and underground mining safety requirements.

Automation & Emerging Technologies

·         Support development of machine automation systems, remote-control systems, and semi-autonomous machine functionality.

·         Integrate battery-electric vehicle systems including battery management systems, charging systems, thermal management systems, and electric drivetrain control.

·         Support telemetry, machine health monitoring, and predictive maintenance technologies.