Electrical Engineer

Engie; Kathu; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company is searching for an Electrical Engineer to join their Kathu Operations in Northern Cape. The role involves overseeing the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems, compliance with standards, and leading maintenance activities. The ideal candidate should hold a degree in Electrical Engineering and have 2-5 years of relevant experience in the energy sector. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are crucial. This position offers market-related compensation and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in a large power plant or chemical industry.
• Deep knowledge of electrical processes and engineering codes.
• GCC certificate (Factories or Mines) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and efficient operation of all electrical systems.
• Evaluate electrical designs and ensure compliance with standards.
• Lead and coordinate electrical maintenance activities.

Skills

Electrical systems analysis

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Education

BEng, BSc or B.Tech in Electrical engineering

Postgraduate qualification in management

Tools

Electrical design software

Job description

Job Title

Electrical Engineer – ENGIE Kathu Operations (Internal / External)

Location

Kathu – Northern Cape

Job Details

• Reports to: Engineering Manager
• Department: Engineering
• Hay Level: HL 15

About ENGIE

ENGIE is a major player in the energy transition, accelerating the transition towards a carbon‑neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructures and sales. Every year ENGIE works to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net‑zero carbon goal by 2045. The Group has been present in Africa for over 50 years.

Business Units

• Renewables & Flex Power
• Local Energy Infrastructures
• Networks
• Supply & Energy Management

Kathu Operations

Kathu Operations is a 100 MW greenfield Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project with parabolic trough technology and a molten‑salt storage system that allows 4.5 hours of thermal energy storage, limiting the intermittent nature of solar energy.

Key Responsibilities & Purpose of the Job

• Ensure safe, reliable, efficient, and cost‑effective operation of all electrical systems and assets at the plant;
• Apply best, safest, sustainable, and timely maintenance practices to achieve plant operational targets;
• Maintain compliance with electrical engineering standards, safety regulations, and company procedures;
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to maximize plant availability and minimize downtime;
• Provide technical leadership and coordination of electrical maintenance activities;

Main Activities

• Evaluate electrical systems, designs, and installations;
• Ensure availability and reliability of electrical assets through effective maintenance practices;
• Perform risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and electrical engineering codes;
• Lead, supervise, and coordinate electrical technicians (direct hires and contractors);
• Ensure compliance with maintenance plans, Maximo CMMS procedures, and O&M requirements;
• Supervise all electrical equipment on site, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, modifications, and fabrication work;
• Analyze and resolve complex electrical engineering issues related to equipment failures and system inefficiencies;
• Review vendor documentation, maintenance manuals, and spare parts lists;
• Draft and update electrical procedures required for plant operations;
• Participate in Maximo (CMMS) development, implementation, and ongoing optimization;
• Ensure electrical maintenance activities comply with company standards, specifications, OEM recommendations, and contract terms;
• Assist with preparation of maintenance budgets, work cost estimates, purchase orders, and contracts;
• Evaluate maintenance cost and progress reports and submit analysis to the Maintenance Manager;
• Recommend and implement new maintenance plans, procedures, and schedules;
• Participate in scheduled plant shutdowns and turnarounds;
• Manage, guide, and supervise electrical maintenance personnel and contractors;
• Support training and development of Electrical Technicians with approval from the Maintenance Manager;
• Conduct frequent on‑site inspections to ensure proper execution of work;
• Oversee and coordinate daily maintenance and troubleshooting activities;
• Identify failure causes and manage emergency repairs efficiently;
• Coordinate maintenance planning with the Planner to ensure availability of materials and resources;
• Ensure maintenance tasks are completed on time and accurately recorded in Maximo;
• Participate in performance improvement and cost reduction initiatives;
• Identify plant design or installation defects and implement corrective modifications;
• Take proactive actions to reduce equipment downtime and improve plant availability;
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, including C&I, to support continuous plant operation;
• Demonstrate competency in high, medium, and low voltage system integration;
• Promote safe electrical switching, testing, and maintenance practices;
• Promote safe use of electrical power tools, instruments, and testing equipment;
• Adhere to OEM requirements for electrical calibration, testing, and maintenance procedures;
• Identify operational trends, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions;
• Monitor electrical maintenance costs and ensure compliance with approved budgets;
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Engineering Manager;
• Enforce HSE regulations, quality policies, and procedures;
• Ensure all safety and environmental measures are strictly applied during maintenance activities;

Health & Safety

• The Job Holder will work in a controlled hazardous environment.

Work Levels and Conditions and Risks

• Work Level 4: tasks that represent a risk of accidents of medium kind that can generate permanent consequences (burns, mutilations, irreversible wounds).

Exposure to Risks

• Traffic / automobile accidents, ergonomic problems and accidents;
• Risks inherent to the job of the Electrical Engineer while performing inspections, site visits, engineering, operations and maintenance activities, etc.

Recommended Personal Protective Equipment

• The Job Holder is entitled to apply PPE such as hard hat / safety helmet, ear protection (plugs or ear muffs), safety glasses, safety shoes, dust mask, cotton coveralls, safety gloves, respiratory mask. Such PPE will aid in preventing hazards that are inherent to the job.

Communication and Working Relationships

The Job Holder will work and communicate with:

Internal: CEO, Head of Departments in Kathu Operations and workforces

External: Contractors, Services providers, Energy regulators, KSP and AMEA

Essential Qualifications

• BEng, BSc or B.Tech in Electrical engineering;
• Postgraduate qualification in management / leadership will be advantageous;
• GCC certificate (Factories or Mines)(Mechanical or Electrical) advantageous;
• Registration with ECSA will be advantageous;
• Driver's license;

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in a large power plant, oil and gas, petrochemical, mineral processing or in the chemical industry;
• Experience in leading and managing people;
• Proficiency in electrical design software;
• Deep knowledge of electrical processes and understanding of electrical engineering codes and safety standards;

Skills

• Drive to achieve results through himself / herself and others;
• Ability to build and work with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary staff;
• Ability to work together with the other departments in order to achieve the best result for the company;
• Ability to create a climate of open communication on personal and professional issues;
• Ability to analyze situations and solve problems;
• Quality and environmental awareness and managing according to quality standards and procedures;
• Take ownership and accountability;
• Maintains high ethics standards;
• Motivation and leadership of team and individual team members;
• Respect others as well as the cultural diversity;
• Seek, organize and exchange;
• Strong interpersonal skills;

Language

• English Language: Excellent communication skills both written and verbal in English;

Remuneration

• The compensation will be market related;

Additional Information

• Incomplete CV's and / or applications will not be considered. Your CV should be accompanied by your supporting documents.
• Closing Date: 18 January 2026;
• Please use this link to apply: Our vacancies | ENGIE (click on: OFFRES D'EMPLOI);

By submitting any personal information to the Company, the candidate unconditionally and voluntarily consents to the processing of the submitted personal information for any and all purposes related to recruitment.

Business Unit

GBU Renewables & Flexible Power

Division

R&B AMEA - South Africa

Legal Entity

Kathu Operations Proprietary Limited

Professional Experience

Senior (experience > 15 years)

Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Company Name

ENGIE South Africa