Electrical Engineer - Automation

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training & certifications

Stable manufacturing hub

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Electrical Engineer specializing in Automation to join our client’s Queenstown team. You’ll design, implement, and troubleshoot electrical control systems for manufacturing processes, working hands-on with cutting‑edge automation technology to improve operations.

You will collaborate with production and mechanical engineers to optimize automated processes while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or ND in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI software.
• Strong understanding of sensors, motors and drive systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement electrical control systems using PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics and documentation for automation projects.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical and automation equipment to minimize downtime.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new automated machinery and systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and production staff to optimize processes.
• Ensure designs meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI software

Sensors & drives

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

ND in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive Electrical Engineer specializing in Automation to join their team in Queenstown . This role is key to enhancing and maintaining automated systems within manufacturing and industrial processes. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of electrical control systems, ensuring efficient and reliable operation. This is a hands‑on position for an engineer who enjoys working with cutting‑edge automation technology and contributing to operational improvements in a manufacturing environment, working alongside a dedicated production and engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement electrical control systems using PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics and documentation for automation projects.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical and automation equipment to minimize production downtime.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new automated machinery and systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and production staff to optimize automated processes.
• Ensure all automation designs and installations meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI software.
• Strong understanding of industrial sensors , motors, and drive systems.
• Experience with network communication protocols used in automation (e.g., Ethernet/IP).
• Good problem‑solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and overtime opportunities.
• Full medical aid and provident fund membership.
• On‑the‑job training and opportunities for further certifications.
• Stable work environment within a key manufacturing hub.
• A team‑oriented atmosphere focused on continuous improvement.