Electrical Maintenance Engineer - Heavy Industry

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training and development

Career progression

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer for a major heavy industrial facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on ensuring continuous, safe operation of electrical equipment and systems through proactive maintenance and rapid response to issues.

You will diagnose, repair, and maintain motors, generators, transformers, switchgear, control panels, and PLCs while adhering to safety standards and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Formal electrical engineering qualification is required.
• Minimum 5 years in electrical maintenance in heavy industry/manufacturing.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and troubleshoot complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs for electrical equipment.
• Respond to electrical breakdowns, diagnose faults, and perform repairs.
• Maintain and repair motors, generators, transformers, switchgear, panels, and PLCs.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations including Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Interpret schematics and manuals to troubleshoot issues.
• Oversee calibration of electrical testing equipment and manage spares.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Industrial maintenance

Motor control

PLC systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master Electrician qualification

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

VFDs

Job description

About the Role

Our client operates a significant heavy industrial facility and is seeking an experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer to ensure the continuous and safe operation of all electrical equipment and systems in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role is crucial for minimizing downtime and maximizing the efficiency of plant operations through proactive maintenance strategies and rapid response to electrical issues. You will be responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a wide range of electrical machinery, control systems, and power distribution networks. This position requires a hands‑on approach and a strong understanding of industrial maintenance principles within the dynamic environment of **Vereeniging**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs for electrical equipment.
• Respond promptly to electrical breakdowns, diagnose faults, and perform timely repairs.
• Maintain and repair electrical motors, generators, transformers, switchgear, control panels, and PLCs.
• Ensure all electrical maintenance activities comply with safety regulations, including Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals to troubleshoot issues.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of electrical testing and measurement equipment.
• Manage spare parts inventory for electrical components and recommend procurement needs.
• Conduct root cause analysis for recurring electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Train and mentor junior technicians on electrical maintenance best practices.
• Liaise with production and engineering departments to schedule maintenance activities and minimize operational impact.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant trade qualification (e.g., Master Electrician).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical maintenance within a heavy industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair complex electrical systems and machinery.
• Solid understanding of AC/DC motor control, power distribution, and industrial instrumentation.
• Experience with PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and VFDs.
• Knowledge of relevant South African electrical safety standards and regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work shifts and be available for emergency call‑outs in the Vereeniging area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary with overtime pay and a performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a provident fund are provided.
• Excellent opportunities for skills development and training are available.
• The company promotes a strong safety culture and provides a stable employment environment within a key industrial hub in Gauteng .
• Employees benefit from a supportive team and access to modern industrial equipment.
• Career progression opportunities exist for skilled and dedicated individuals.