Electrical, Automation & Commissioning Engineer

GEA; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering company is seeking an experienced Electrical Automation & Commissioning Engineer to handle the installation, testing, and commissioning of electrical and automation systems for industrial refrigeration projects. This position will require 5-10 years of relevant experience and proficiency in PLC and HMI systems. The role involves collaboration with engineering teams and clients, and it includes significant travel responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 510 years experience in industrial refrigeration and automation commissioning.
• Proficient in interpreting P&IDs, CAD drawings, and electrical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute commissioning activities on refrigeration plants.
• Perform and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).
• Provide direct and remote technical support to field service engineers.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Automation

Troubleshooting

Excellent communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Trade Test in Industrial Refrigeration

Tools

Allen Bradley

Schneider Electric

Danfoss

E-Plan

Job description

The Electrical Automation & Commissioning Engineer is responsible for the installation testing commissioning and optimization of electrical and automation systems for industrial refrigeration projects. This role combines deep technical expertise with hands-on commissioning experience to ensure systems are delivered safely efficiently and in line with design specifications. It requires close collaboration with internal engineering project and service teams as well as external clients and contractors.

This role requires frequent travel (2550%).

Responsibilities / Tasks

Commissioning & Project Execution

• Lead and execute mechanical electrical and automation commissioning activities on refrigeration plants and projects.
• Schedule manage and execute all commissioning activities in consultation with project managers and electrical engineers.
• Perform and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) with mechanical and electrical engineers and where applicable the end customer.
• Study interpret monitor and discuss project design and planning to establish effective commissioning and shutdown schedules.
• Test electrical panels and ensure FAT results are signed off and properly filed.
• Prepare and use standardized commissioning sheets and documentation.
• Compile and finalize project commissioning documentation in prescribed locations.
• Ensure commissioning tasks are assigned efficiently to minimize duration and maximize billable hours.
• Proactively engage with project managers to plan commissioning schedules and travel arrangements.
• Compile functional narrative / software philosophy documents in conjunction with mechanical engineers based on P&IDs.
• Ensure each electrical panel includes a pre-commissioning sheet in the project file.
• Compile detailed site visit and commissioning reports after each site visit.
• Ensure commissioning documentation is complete of high quality and signed off by all required parties.
• Responsible for setting up soft starters and variable speed drives (VSDs) including ABB WEG Danfoss and Omni units. This includes parameter configuration generating and maintaining backup files.
• Ensuring accurate documentation for all configurations. Applies equally to parametric controllers and PLC systems.
• Responsible for maintaining records of laser alignment reports and ensuring all relevant backup copies are securely stored for traceability history.

Automation & Electrical Systems

Program configure and test PLC and HMI software (Allen Bradley Schneider Electric Danfoss Carel Siemens etc.).

Develop and review control philosophies functional narratives and I / O lists.

Interface automation systems with mechanical processes based on P&ID logic.

Support panel design pre-commissioning checks and review / sign-off of electrical drawings (experience with E-Plan / Cortex is advantageous).

Update and maintain electrical drawings to reflect changes; ensure the latest approved versions are shared with relevant teams and properly archived for record-keeping and future reference.

Ensure testing of electrical panels is signed off and delegate responsibly when unavailable.

Cloud Connectivity :

Set up hardware for cloud connection devices.

Simulate cloud connection with Omni simulation panel prior to installation.

Manage data protection documentation with clients and ensure that documentation is received prior to equipment being released.

Assist with support during installation phase.

Ensure connection to devices is active.

Log in and check status. E.g. : alarms and shutdowns basic operating conditions.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

Perform root cause analysis of automation electrical and refrigeration system faults.

Provide direct and remote technical support to field service engineers and project managers.

Manage field service engineers when required to execute commissioning tasks.

Support the service and service projects team on commissioning technical support and troubleshooting.

Provide on-site assistance and guidance during system failures and startup processes.

Attend to technical queries and customer complaints ensuring satisfaction and follow-up during client meetings.

Maintain accurate technical records and commissioning files.

Collaboration & Communication

Coordinate with internal stakeholders including engineering service and project teams to meet milestones.

Attend design reviews risk assessments and site meetings.

Guide and coach colleagues in engineering service and project teams promoting knowledge sharing.

Escalate work-related issues to the Team Leader - Engineering.

Transfer technical knowledge across the organization to support innovation and continuous improvement.

Process & Continuous Improvement

Identify and implement improvements to standard commissioning processes and templates.

Ensure best practices and lessons learned are documented and reused across projects.

Promote compliance with GEA QHSE regulations and exceed industry standards where possible.

Use and maintain latest standardized documentation templates.

Optimize time booking efficiency to projects service jobs or internal activities.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Education & Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering Automation Mechatronics or related field.

Trade Test in Industrial Refrigeration (advantageous).

SAQCC Category B Registered Refrigeration Gas Practitioner.

Skills & Experience

510 years experience in industrial refrigeration and automation commissioning.

Proven experience with PLC / HMI / SCADA systems (Allen Bradley Schneider Electric Danfoss etc.).

Proficient in interpreting P&IDs CAD drawings electrical schematics and E-Plan.

Knowledge of instrumentation sensors soft starters VFDs and industrial networks.

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Familiarity with QHSE regulations relevant SANS codes and electrical safety standards.

Skilled in MS Office and other engineering support tools.

Key Competencies

Strong ownership and accountability

Customer-focused and proactive communicator

Analytical and detail-driven

Collaborative team player and mentor

Adaptable self-driven

Did we spark your interest

Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.

Key Skills

Electrical Engineering,Google Analytics,ASP.NET,Asset,Electrical & Automation

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1