Electrical Design Engineer - Automation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 820,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer specializing in Automation and Control Systems to join a progressive team. This role involves designing, developing, and implementing electrical control systems for industrial automation projects, with full remote work from Nelspruit or anywhere in South Africa.

You will translate client requirements into functional electrical designs, program PLCs and HMIs, specify components, and support FAT/SAT testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in electrical design for industrial automation.
• Proven PLC programming experience (Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Familiarity with IEC 61508 safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams for automated machinery and processes.
• Program and configure PLCs and HMIs.
• Specify and select electrical components, sensors, actuators, and drives.
• Conduct FAT and support SAT remotely or on-site as required.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and software developers to ensure integrated system functionality.
• Troubleshoot and provide technical support for automated electrical systems.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical design

Industrial automation

Remote work independence

Education

Bachelor's degree (Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics)

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Electrical design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Electrical Design Engineer with a specialization in Automation and Control Systems to join their progressive team, working remotely from Nelspruit or any location in South Africa. This role is focused on designing, developing, and implementing electrical control systems for industrial automation projects, ensuring efficiency, safety, and reliability. You will work on innovative solutions, translating client requirements into functional electrical designs and collaborating with integration specialists. This position offers the ideal candidate significant autonomy and the chance to contribute to impactful industrial automation projects from a flexible, remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams for automated machinery and processes.
• Program and configure PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces).
• Specify and select appropriate electrical components, sensors, actuators, and drives.
• Conduct FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and support SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) remotely or on-site as required.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and software developers to ensure integrated system functionality.
• Troubleshoot and provide technical support for automated electrical systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical design for industrial automation.
• Proven experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Familiarity with relevant safety standards for industrial machinery (e.g., IEC 61508).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Full remote work flexibility, with potential for occasional travel.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications in automation technologies.
• Involvement in exciting and diverse industrial automation projects.
• A forward-thinking company culture that embraces remote collaboration and innovation.