Electrical Maintenance Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks an experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer to lead maintenance of electrical and automation systems in a heavy industry setting. The role emphasizes reliability, troubleshooting, and the development of preventative strategies to minimize downtime.

You will work with PLCs, HMIs, and VSDs, mentor technicians, and ensure safety and compliance on high-voltage installations while supporting plant modifications and new equipment projects.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of electrical maintenance experience in industrial/mining environments.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of VSDs and motor control.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Experience with high-voltage systems and safety procedures.
• Willingness to work shifts, including weekends/public holidays.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage preventative and corrective maintenance programs for electrical and automation equipment.
• Diagnose and repair complex electrical faults in HV/LV systems, motors, pumps, and control circuits.
• Troubleshoot and maintain PLCs, HMIs, and VSDs.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental policies, and standards.
• Oversee electrical aspects of plant modifications and new installations.
• Maintain spare parts inventory for electrical components.
• Lead and mentor junior technicians with technical guidance.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in design reviews and provide maintenance input for new equipment.
• Respond to emergency breakdowns to minimize production impact.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Electrical maintenance

VSDs knowledge

Leadership

Safety awareness

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and heavy industry sector, is seeking an experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer to join their operational team in Rustenburg, North West . This role is critical for ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of complex industrial electrical systems and automation equipment. You will be responsible for developing and executing maintenance strategies, troubleshooting complex electrical faults, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to minimize downtime and enhance safety. This is a hands‑on position requiring a deep understanding of industrial electrical principles, PLC systems, and variable speed drives. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the operational efficiency and productivity of our client's facilities. We are committed to fostering a safe and productive work environment where technical expertise is valued and rewarded.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage preventative and corrective maintenance programs for all electrical and automation equipment.
• Diagnose and repair complex electrical faults in high-voltage and low-voltage systems, motors, pumps, and control circuits.
• Troubleshoot and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental policies, and company standards.
• Oversee electrical aspects of plant modifications and new installations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and manage spare parts inventory for electrical components.
• Lead and mentor junior technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and provide maintenance input for new equipment.
• Respond to emergency breakdown situations to minimize production impact.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in electrical maintenance within an industrial or mining environment.
• Proven experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Strong understanding of VSDs, motor control, and industrial power distribution.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards (e.g., OSHA, Mine Health and Safety Act).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Experience with high-voltage systems and associated safety procedures.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, as required by operational needs.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and qualifications, along with lucrative performance bonuses. Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits are provided. Opportunities for further training and professional development, including specialized courses in automation and control systems, are readily available. The role is based in Rustenburg, North West , a region rich in opportunity. Our client fosters a culture of safety, respect, and continuous improvement, providing a stable and rewarding career path.