Job Description

Software Engineer – Multi-Machine Control Automation

NOV South Africa is seeking a skilled and highly motivated Software Engineer to support and develop NOV’s Multi-Machine Control (MMC) automation package. The successful candidate will play a critical role in integrating, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems across multiple machines and equipment platforms. This position is based in Gqeberha.

The ideal candidate will possess strong industrial automation experience, deep process understanding, and hands-on expertise with PLC control systems including Beckhoff with TwinCat and Siemens TIA Portal/S7 environments.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Exposure to global projects and advanced engineering solutions
• Work on mission-critical systems impacting safety and operations worldwide

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development, integration, and testing of NOV’s Multi-Machine Control (MMC) automation systems.
• Perform system-level testing to ensure multiple machines and subsystems operate together reliably and efficiently.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC software using:
  • Beckhoff / TwinCat / Structured Text
  • Siemens TIA Portal and S7 PLC platforms
  • Github
• Diagnose and resolve automation, communication, and process-related issues across interconnected systems.
• Work closely with product experts, commissioning teams, and engineering stakeholders to identify and implement effective solutions.
• Debug and optimize machine control logic, sequencing, and automation performance.
• Support commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting activities both in simulation and live operational environments.
• Analyze machine interaction, process flow, and system behavior to improve reliability and performance.
• Assist with network configuration and industrial communication troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain clear technical documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide technical support during system integration and customer acceptance testing.
• Perform additional engineering and support tasks as required to meet project and operational goals.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Technical Competencies

• Strong experience in industrial automation systems and machine control integration.
• Advanced PLC programming and troubleshooting skills, particularly with:
  • Siemens TIA Portal
  • Siemens S7 PLCs
  • Allen-Bradley
  • Beckhoff Structured Text
• Strong understanding of machine-to-machine interactions and process automation.
• Experience testing and debugging complex automation systems involving multiple machines or subsystems.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks and protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities.
• Experience working with electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical system interfaces.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and product teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Marine Engineering or a related field.
• Relevant industrial automation certifications would be advantageous.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with integrated automation systems in industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to commissioning and field troubleshooting activities.
• Experience with simulation and test environments is advantageous.
• Experience with high-level programming (C++/C+) is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable working with complex machinery, automation systems, and testing equipment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for commissioning or support activities if required.
• Ability to work in an office-based team environment

Personal attributes:

• Hands-on and solution-oriented with a strong sense of ownership
• Able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Interest in automation and offshore drilling systems
• Willing to share knowledge and continuously learn
• Reliable, structured, and quality-focused

We look forward to receiving your application and exploring the opportunity to work together at NOV.

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