Electrical Design Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement plan

Training programs

Diverse projects

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Electrical Design Engineer in Richards Bay to lead the design and implementation of electrical control systems for industrial automation projects. You will develop schematics, select components, and implement PLC/HMI programs to optimize manufacturing processes.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering with at least 6 years in electrical design and automation, experience with Siemens or Rockwell platforms, and proficiency in EPLAN/AutoCAD

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in electrical design engineering with automation focus.
• Experience in PLC/HMI systems (Siemens, Rockwell).
• Proficient in EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical; familiar with networking protocols.
• Strong motor control, power distribution, and safety standards understanding.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication for collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical control systems, schematics, P&IDs and component specs.
• Select components, sensors, actuators and control hardware per requirements.
• Develop and implement PLC and HMI programming for industrial platforms.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and PMs for seamless integration.
• Conduct FAT and SAT for control systems.
• Provide technical support during installation, commissioning and troubleshooting.

Skills

Electrical design

PLC/HMI systems

Industrial automation

Project collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Siemens PLC

Rockwell Automation

Industrial networking

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks an innovative and experienced Electrical Design Engineer specializing in Industrial Automation to join their forward-thinking team. This role, based in Richards Bay , focuses on conceptualizing, designing, and implementing state-of-the-art electrical systems for manufacturing and processing plants. You will play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and productivity through intelligent automation solutions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to major industrial developments while working in a flexible, remote-friendly environment that encourages creativity and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems, including schematics, P&ID diagrams, and component specifications for automated processes.
• Select appropriate electrical components, sensors, actuators, and control hardware based on application requirements.
• Develop and implement PLC and HMI programming for various industrial automation platforms.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and project managers to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Conduct FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for control systems.
• Provide technical support during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting phases of automation projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in electrical design engineering, with a strong focus on industrial automation .
• Proven experience in designing and implementing PLC/HMI systems (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation).
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical) and knowledge of industrial networking protocols.
• Strong understanding of motor control, power distribution, and safety standards in industrial environments.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills for effective collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning options.
• Access to advanced automation technologies and training programs.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and challenging industrial projects.
• Flexible work arrangements supporting a healthy work‑life balance.
• Professional development and continuous learning initiatives.