Electrical Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Relocation assistance available

Bonuses potential

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer for a major heavy industry client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on maintaining, repairing and upgrading electrical systems to ensure reliability, safety and energy efficiency across the facility.

It is a hands-on position requiring presence on site. You will lead a team of electricians and technicians, develop maintenance strategies, troubleshoot HV/LV systems, and collaborate with engineering for plant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent N6 with extensive experience.
• 7+ years in electrical maintenance in industrial/manufacturing settings.
• Experience with PLCs, VFDs, motors and control panels.
• Knowledge of high-voltage systems, switchgear and distribution networks.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement electrical maintenance strategies including preventive and predictive programs.
• Troubleshoot and repair faults in HV/LV systems, motors, PLCs, and control panels.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new electrical equipment.
• Ensure safety standards compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Lead electricians and technicians with technical guidance.
• Analyse performance and drive improvements in efficiency and reliability.
• Maintain records of maintenance activities, parts, and equipment history.
• Collaborate with engineering to support plant upgrades.

Skills

Electrical engineering expertise

Preventative maintenance

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Reading schematics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Equivalent N6 qualification with extensive experience

Tools

PLC systems

VFDs

Motor control

High-voltage equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the heavy industry sector, is looking for an experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer to join their operational team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This crucial role involves overseeing and executing the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of all electrical systems and equipment within their extensive facility. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical infrastructure, minimizing downtime, and optimizing energy efficiency. The position requires a deep understanding of industrial electrical systems, strong diagnostic capabilities, and a proactive approach to preventative maintenance. Working closely with the operations and engineering departments, you will play a vital role in maintaining the smooth running of production processes. This is a hands‑on role requiring presence at the Richards Bay site, integral to the Installation & Maintenance of critical industrial components.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive electrical maintenance strategies, including preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex electrical faults in high-voltage and low-voltage systems, motors, PLCs, and control panels.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new electrical equipment and systems.
• Conduct regular inspections of electrical infrastructure to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage a team of electricians and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Analyze electrical system performance and identify areas for improvement in efficiency and reliability.
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, spare parts inventory, and equipment history.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company safety policies and industry best practices.
• Respond to electrical emergencies and facilitate rapid resolution to minimize production impact.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines to support plant upgrades and modifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent N6 qualification with extensive experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in electrical maintenance within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in industrial automation, PLC systems, VFDs, and motor control.
• Strong understanding of high-voltage systems, switchgear, and distribution networks.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with project management and leading technical teams is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics and blueprints.
• Knowledge of relevant South African electrical safety regulations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Richards Bay.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work with a leading company in the industrial sector.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.