Electrical Design Lead - Mining Infrastructure

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Electrical Design Lead to oversee mining electrical systems, including substations, reticulation and automation, for major projects in Welkom, Free State. You will guide a team of engineers and designers to deliver robust, safe solutions aligned with project specs and regulatory standards.

The role requires a senior leader with deep mine electrical knowledge, hands-on design expertise in AutoCAD Electrical and ETAP, and strong project leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical design for mining or heavy industrial projects.
• Proven leadership of design teams and large-scale project packages.
• Knowledge of mine electrical systems, power distribution, automation and safety regulations.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical and ETAP; familiarity with SCADA/DCS.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design team on mining projects including substations, reticulation networks and plant power.
• Oversee design of power distribution, MCCs, VSDs, and control systems.
• Ensure designs comply with mining regs and safety standards (SANS, IEC) and environmental requirements.
• Develop and review detailed drawings, single-line diagrams, schematics, and specifications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for electrical design tasks.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers.
• Collaborate with other disciplines, project managers and clients for integrated delivery.
• Conduct design reviews, HAZOP studies, and risk assessments for electrical systems.
• Stay abreast of new technologies in mining electrical engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Electrical design

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ETAP

SCADA/DCS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering firm specializing in mining infrastructure, is seeking an experienced Electrical Design Lead to oversee the electrical design aspects of major mining projects in the Welkom, Free State region. This senior role demands a visionary leader with extensive expertise in designing electrical systems for underground and surface mining operations, including power distribution, reticulation, automation, and safety systems. You will lead a team of electrical engineers and designers, ensuring the delivery of robust, efficient, and safe electrical solutions that meet project specifications and industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge, project leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges within the mining sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design team in developing electrical infrastructure for mining projects, including substations, reticulation networks, and plant power.
• Oversee the design of power distribution, motor control centers (MCCs), variable speed drives (VSDs), and associated control systems.
• Ensure all electrical designs comply with relevant mining regulations, safety standards (e.g., SANS, IEC), and environmental requirements.
• Develop and review detailed electrical drawings, single-line diagrams, schematics, and specifications.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for electrical design tasks.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and clients to ensure integrated and efficient project delivery.
• Conduct design reviews, HAZOP studies, and risk assessments related to electrical systems.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and advancements in electrical engineering for the mining industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering design, with a significant focus on mining or heavy industrial infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in leading design teams and managing electrical design packages for large-scale projects.
• In-depth knowledge of mine electrical systems, power distribution, automation, and safety regulations specific to mining.
• Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP) and familiarity with SCADA/DCS systems.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in the Free State mining region is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund contributions. This role provides a leadership opportunity on impactful mining projects in Welkom and the surrounding Free State area. Continuous professional development and opportunities for career advancement are provided. Join a reputable firm at the forefront of mining engineering solutions.