Software Engineer – Automation, Simulation & Multi-Machine Control

Software Engineer – Automation, Simulation & Multi-Machine Control

NOV South Africa is seeking a skilled and motivated Software Engineer – Automation, Simulation & Multi-Machine Control to support the development, integration, testing, and optimization of advanced automation systems used across NOV's drilling and industrial equipment platforms.

This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation technologies, simulation environments, and multi-machine control systems that support mission-critical operations worldwide. The successful candidate will contribute to both virtual simulation platforms and live machine control systems, ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operation across complex automation environments.

• Develop, configure, modify, and troubleshoot PLC software
• Support the development and enhancement of NOV's automation and multi-machine control systems.
• Debug and optimize machine control logic, sequencing, and automation performance.
• Diagnose and resolve automation, communication, and process-related issues across interconnected systems.
• Analyze machine interaction, process flow, and system behaviour to improve reliability and performance.
• Configure PLC software for both simulation and live machine environments.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize simulation platforms used for testing, validation, and training.
• Fine-tune simulation performance to meet operational requirements.
• Perform system-level integration and testing to ensure machines and subsystems operate together reliably and efficiently.
• Support commissioning, validation, troubleshooting, and customer acceptance testing activities.
• Assist with network configuration and industrial communication troubleshooting.

• Strong experience in industrial automation systems and machine control integration.
• Advanced PLC programming and troubleshooting skills with:
• Beckhoff TwinCAT / Structured Text
• Experience with simulation software and virtual testing environments.
• Strong understanding of software-hardware interaction.
• Experience testing and debugging complex automation systems involving multiple machines and subsystems.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks and protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience working with electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with Git Hub/version control systems is advantageous.
• Exposure to high-level programming languages such as C++ is beneficial.