Electrical Design Engineer – Water

Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd in Durban is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to join our MEICA design team. You will develop electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation designs for water and infrastructure projects, coordinating with civil, mechanical, and process teams.

The role requires presenting ideas clearly, planning work, and maintaining high output quality across project stages from concept to tender documentation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver electrical, instrumentation, control and automation (EICA) designs from concept to detailed design.
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Skills

Electrical engineering

EICA design

AutoCAD

Revit/BIM

Dialux

ETAP/Amtech

Modbus/Profibus/Ethernet/IP

PLC/SCADA/Telemetry

HAZOP/FEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Load Lists

Single Line Diagrams

Job description

The Vacancy

About The Company

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team.

Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction. We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy including renewables. With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over 200 companies with more than 17,000 employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

About The Role

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Electrical Design Engineer to join our growing MEICA design team. This is a unique opportunity to take a central role in delivering high-quality electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation design solutions across a diverse portfolio of water, wastewater, and infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate is not only technically competent but also confident in presenting ideas, planning and managing their work, and communicating clearly, both in writing and in conversation. We value engineers who bring passion, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to the table.

As an Electrical Engineer in our MEICA team, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation (EICA) designs from concept through to detailed design. You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams and clients to define project scope, align expectations, and ensure high-quality outputs.

Our MEICA team supports various business units working across different technical standards and geographies. Project stages range from concept and feasibility to detailed design and tender documentation, including all associated reports, specifications, and drawings.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Produce clear, well-structured reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Lead and deliver EICA designs for water/wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, and associated infrastructure.
• Prepare design deliverables such as: Single Line Diagrams, Load Lists, Cable Schedules, Instrument Lists, I/O Schedules, and PLC/SCADA/Telemetry architectures.
• Support the development of P&IDs, tender documentation (BoQs, specifications, ERs), and design reports.
• Drive energy-efficient design approaches.
• Conduct technical feasibility studies, option appraisals, and energy modelling.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, mechanical, process, BIM/CAD) to ensure design integration.
• Take part in design reviews, HAZOPs, and value engineering workshops.
• Support construction and commissioning phases by responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and providing technical input.
• Prepare method statements, risk assessments, and H&S documentation as needed.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development.
• Maintain compliance with relevant standards (e.g., Irish Water, WIMES, BS/IEC) and support regulatory engagement.
• Manage your workload proactively and communicate progress effectively with internal teams and clients.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support project delivery and reflect the evolving needs of the business.

Key Requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant EICA engineering experience, ideally within a consultancy or design environment.
• Proven experience in water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of power distribution, motor control, automation and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM and electrical design tools such as Dialux, ETAP or Amtech.
• Knowledge of industrial protocols, including Modbus, Profibus and Ethernet/IP, PLC, SCADA and telemetry system architectures.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and specifications, including BS, IEC/IEEE, WIMES, NFPA, NEOM and utility requirements such as Irish Water, Thames Water and Severn Trent.
• Knowledge of ATEX, cybersecurity and functional safety would be advantageous.
• Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental best practices.
• Strong technical and organisational skills, with a methodical approach to planning work and consistently delivering high-quality outputs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, technical writing and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive, collaborative approach, with openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to take ownership, contribute fresh ideas and support high standards across the team.

About Us

Our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that transform communities and bring about lasting positive change. Through a blend of expertise, innovation and global dedication, we envision a world where sustainable engineering protects growing communities.

Nicholas O’Dwyer provides professional services in engineering design, project management, environment and planning, construction supervision and technical and contract advisory. We are one of the most respected Irish consultancies operating in local and international markets, providing professional services to public- and private-sector clients.

Whether in Ireland, the UK or internationally, we understand and solve major challenges associated with delivering and adapting infrastructure for an increasing global population while maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations.

Nicholas O’Dwyer is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?