Electrical, Automation & Commissioning Engineer

GEA Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in industrial refrigeration is seeking an Electrical, Automation & Commissioning Engineer to optimize and commission electrical and automation systems. This role involves close collaboration with project teams and requires thorough expertise in PLC/HMI systems and industrial standards. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and significant experience in the field, ensuring efficient and compliant installations across various projects. Frequent travel of 25-50% is expected.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in industrial refrigeration and automation commissioning.
• Proficient in interpreting P&IDs and electrical schematics.
• Familiarity with QHSE regulations and electrical safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute commissioning activities on refrigeration projects.
• Perform Factory and Site Acceptance Tests.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for system faults.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Communication

Project management

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Trade Test in Industrial Refrigeration

Tools

PLC Systems

HMI Software

SCADA Systems

E-Plan

Job description

Electrical, Automation & Commissioning Engineer

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 (25–50%).

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Trade Test in Industrial Refrigeration (advantageous).

Skills & Experience

• 5–10 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.
• Strong ownership and accountability
• Customer-focused and proactive communicator