Electrical Engineer – Variable Speed Drives (VSD) Specialist

Network Finance; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance seeks an experienced Electrical Engineer with a strong background in Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to join the engineering team. This role involves design, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimisation of VSD systems across mining and industrial environments.

You will specify VSD solutions, prepare electrical designs and documentation, and ensure systems meet safety standards. Travel to client sites may be required.

Qualifications

• BEng/BTech in Electrical Engineering or Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience with Variable Speed Drives in industrial/mining settings.
• Strong knowledge of AC motors, motor control, power distribution, protection systems.
• Experience commissioning and programming VSDs from major manufacturers (ABB, Siemens, Danfoss, Schneider, Rockwell, Yaskawa or WEG).
• Familiarity with PLCs, industrial networks and SCADA is advantageous.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and control drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify VSD solutions for industrial applications.
• Prepare electrical designs, single-line diagrams, schematics and control philosophies.
• Select and size VSDs, motors, switchgear and protection equipment.
• Commission and optimise VSD systems for energy efficiency.
• Perform fault finding and root-cause analysis on electrical and drive systems.
• Provide technical support during installation, commissioning and after-sales service.
• Integrate VSDs with PLC, SCADA and automation systems.
• Ensure compliance with electrical standards and client specs.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, suppliers and engineering teams.
• Prepare technical reports, FAT/SAT and operating manuals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives on reliability and performance.

Skills

VSD knowledge

AC motor control

SCADA integration

PLC programming

Electrical design

Education

Electrical Eng degree

Tools

ABB VSD

Siemens VSD

Danfoss VSD

Schneider Electric VSD

Rockwell PLC

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer with a strong background in Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to join their engineering team. This role is ideal for an engineer with hands-on experience in the specification, design, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimisation of VSD systems across mining, industrial, manufacturing, or process plant environments.

If you are passionate about electrical engineering, motor control, automation, and delivering reliable power solutions, this is an excellent opportunity to work on technically challenging projects with leading industrial clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and specify Variable Speed Drive (VSD) solutions for industrial applications.
• Prepare electrical designs, single-line diagrams, schematics, control philosophies, and technical documentation.
• Select and size VSDs, motors, switchgear, protection equipment, and associated electrical components.
• Commission, configure, and optimise VSD systems for improved plant performance and energy efficiency.
• Perform fault finding and root cause analysis on electrical and drive systems.
• Provide technical support during installation, commissioning, and after‑sales service.
• Integrate VSDs with PLC, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical standards, safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Prepare technical reports, FAT/SAT documentation, commissioning reports, and operating manuals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency, and equipment performance.

Minimum Requirements

• BEng, BTech, or National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years' experience working with Variable Speed Drives in industrial or mining environments.
• Strong knowledge of AC motors, motor control, power distribution, protection systems, and industrial electrical installations.
• Experience commissioning and programming VSDs from major manufacturers such as ABB, Siemens, Danfoss, Schneider Electric, Rockwell, Yaskawa, or WEG.
• Experience with PLCs, industrial communication networks, and SCADA systems will be advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to client sites when required.