Electrical Controls Engineer

Chep; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 40 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Electrical Controls Engineer, where you'll support innovative automation solutions and contribute to global sustainability efforts. This role offers the chance to work on complex engineering projects, focusing on PLC programming and cybersecurity compliance. You'll collaborate with diverse teams and have the opportunity to enhance your skills in a hybrid work environment. Embrace the challenge of optimizing processes and improving performance while making a real impact in the logistics industry. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to grow, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Hybrid Work Model

Skill Development Opportunities

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum Trade Test or National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic/Mechatronics Engineering.
• 2-5 years in electrical/control systems, especially relay/PLC-based controls.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, and deployment of engineering solutions.
• Perform machine controls programming and troubleshooting of PLCs and HMIs.

Skills

PLC Programming

Rockwell Devices

Cybersecurity Compliance

Active Learning

Problem Solving

Education

National Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Trade Test in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

MS Project

Job description

Join us as an Electrical Controls Engineer at CHEP

CHEP helps move more goods to more people, in more places than any other organization on earth via our million pallets, crates, and containers. We employ approximately 13,000 people and operate in 60 countries. Through our pioneering and sustainable share-and-reuse business model, the world's biggest brands trust us to help them transport their goods more efficiently, safely, and with less environmental impact.

What does that mean for you?

• You'll join an international organization big enough to take you anywhere, and small enough to get you there sooner.
• You'll help change how goods get to market and contribute to global sustainability.
• You'll be empowered to bring your authentic self to work and be surrounded by diverse and driven professionals.
• And you can maximize your work-life balance and flexibility through our Hybrid Work Model.

Job Description

About the Role: Support the design, development, and deployment of engineering solutions under guidance, ensuring compliance with operational, quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by assisting in optimizing equipment, processes, and systems to enhance performance and reliability. Collaborate across functions to support project delivery and gain hands-on experience in technical and operational problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities May Include:

• Support across the end-to-end lifecycle of engineering projects, including design, testing, and commissioning, ensuring compliance with established standards and objectives.
• Follow global safety standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA) and assist in conducting risk assessments to ensure compliance during project activities.
• Identify and suggest opportunities for process optimization and reliability improvements, focusing on assigned tasks or specific elements of systems.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and maintenance of systems, addressing performance issues with guidance from senior engineers.
• Work alongside Operations, IT, and Safety teams to align on project goals and contribute to addressing technical challenges.
• Assist in monitoring supplier and contractor activities, ensuring adherence to specifications and timelines under supervision.
• Actively engage in skill development opportunities to further develop your capabilities in engineering best practices, tools, and systems.

Position Purpose

The primary responsibilities of the Electrical Controls Engineer are to support complex automation solutions, including PLC programming for Factory Management Systems (FMS) and cybersecurity compliance, to help CHEP reach its goals of a touchless plant.

Responsibilities

• Perform machine controls programming and troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, and industrial communications networks, including cybersecurity.
• Assist in establishing standards for PLC and HMI programming.
• Advance control systems organization, communicate complex technical issues to varied audiences, and serve as a subject matter expert.
• Ensure electrical and programming standards are used for panels and site installations.
• Support the design and development of industrial controls for complex material handling systems, considering human/equipment interactions.
• Ensure adherence to electrical safe work practices by CHEP and contract personnel.
• Communicate with vendors and make decisions based on industry standards.
• Collaborate with FMS, Cybersecurity, Operations, and Engineering teams to improve visualization, data collection, cybersecurity, and communication standards, including SCADA.
• Conduct acceptance testing with operations and stakeholders.
• Ensure PLCs comply with global security protocols and programming standards.
• Manage remote access of PLCs for suppliers.

Qualifications

Essential: Minimum Trade Test or National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic/Mechatronics Engineering. Proficient with Rockwell devices and programming. Knowledge of OSHA regulations and standards. Highly detail-oriented.

Desirable: Familiarity with RFID, Vision, and Scanner technologies. Basic project management skills. Knowledge of safety protocols in manufacturing environments.

Experience

2-5 years in electrical/control systems, especially relay/PLC-based controls. Design, development, and implementation in industrial or logistics environments. Supporting production operations. Leading or coordinating projects. Experience with RFID, Vision, Scanners, networked devices, and control components.

Skills and Knowledge

Industrial electrical wiring, process piping, machine guarding principles. Experience with Allen-Bradley, Rockwell PLCs, drives, and control systems. Knowledge of material handling, conveyor, robotic systems, and networking principles. Familiarity with project management tools like MS Project. AutoCAD and SolidWorks skills are a plus. Understanding of cybersecurity regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

Remote Type: Hybrid Remote.

Skills to Succeed

Active Learning, Adaptability, Cross-Functional Work, Curiosity, Digital Literacy, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Initiative, Problem Solving.

We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.