Junior Electrical Engineer - Automation

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension fund contributions

Structured training & mentorship

Career development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a junior electrical engineer to join their automation team in Rustenburg, North West, on a hybrid work model. This entry-level role is ideal for recent graduates eager to gain hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and commissioning electrical control systems for industrial projects.

You will work closely with senior engineers, assist with design and testing tasks, and develop skills across PLCs, HMI, and CAD tools while contributing to project success and safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Strong fundamentals in electrical principles, control systems, and automation.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Assist design of electrical control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Support selection of PLCs, VFDs, sensors, and HMIs.
• Program and configure PLC and HMI systems under supervision.
• Conduct electrical testing and initial troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and project managers.
• Prepare manuals, reports, and test procedures.
• Assist commissioning and on-site support.
• Adhere to safety regulations and company standards.
• Learn and apply new technologies in industrial automation.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment.

Skills

Ladder Logic

Function Block Diagram

HMI software

PLC programming

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Electrical CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Electrical Engineer to join their growing automation team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and commissioning electrical control systems for industrial automation projects. The position is based in Rustenburg, North West, ZA, and will follow a hybrid work model, blending remote work flexibility with essential on-site collaboration and practical application. You will work closely with senior engineers, contributing to the development of innovative solutions that drive efficiency and productivity for our diverse clientele.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of electrical control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams for automation systems.
• Support the selection of electrical components such as PLCs, VFDs, sensors, and HMI devices.
• Participate in the programming and configuration of PLC and HMI systems under supervision.
• Conduct electrical testing and perform initial troubleshooting of control systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and project managers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare technical documentation, including manuals, reports, and test procedures.
• Assist in the commissioning and on-site support of automation solutions.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and company standards during design and testing phases.
• Learn and apply new technologies in industrial automation.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong academic foundation in electrical principles, control systems, and automation.
• Familiarity with PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram) and HMI software is a plus.
• Basic understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus).
• Proficiency with electrical CAD software is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
• Ability to work effectively in both a remote and on-site environment as required by the hybrid model.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel occasionally for site visits.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary and opportunities for performance-based increases.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Structured training and mentorship program.
• Exposure to a wide range of industrial automation technologies.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.
• Support for professional development and certifications.