Junior Electrical Engineer - Automation Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Bonuses based on performance

Extensive training and development

Mentorship from automation engineers

Exposure to diverse industries

Career progression pathways

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Electrical Engineer to join their automation team in George, Western Cape. This role targets graduates or engineers with 1–3 years of experience and offers hands-on experience in PLC programming, HMI development, and system integration under senior engineers.

You will design, implement, and maintain automated control systems, with opportunities to travel to client sites and contribute to project delivery in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 0–3 years of experience in electrical engineering with a focus on industrial automation.
• Basic PLC programming knowledge (Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI software.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics and control system design principles.
• Proficiency with common electrical test equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of electrical control systems, including schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Support the programming and configuration of PLCs and HMIs.
• Participate in installation, testing, and commissioning of automated equipment.
• Collaborate with project teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Conduct site visits for data collection and client support.
• Prepare technical documentation, user manuals, and training materials.
• Learn and apply industry standards and best practices in electrical engineering.
• Perform electrical panel builds and wiring as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for automation solutions.
• Adhere to safety protocols during site and workshop activities.

Skills

Electrical design

Schematic reading

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Willing to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

HMI software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable industrial automation company, is seeking a bright and enthusiastic Junior Electrical Engineer to join their team in **George, Western Cape**. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or an engineer with 1-3 years of experience looking to build a strong foundation in electrical engineering, with a specific focus on automation and control systems. You will work under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated solutions for various industrial applications. This position offers invaluable hands-on experience and the chance to become proficient in PLC programming, HMI development, and system integration within a supportive and professional environment. We are committed to fostering talent and providing a clear career path for our ambitious team members. Join us and be part of a company that values innovation and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and development of electrical control systems, including schematics and wiring diagrams.


• Support the programming and configuration of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).


• Participate in the installation, testing, and commissioning of automated equipment and systems.


• Collaborate with project teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during system development and deployment.


• Conduct site visits for data collection, system checks, and client support.


• Assist in the preparation of technical documentation, user manuals, and training materials.


• Learn and apply industry standards and best practices in electrical and automation engineering.


• Perform electrical panel builds and wiring as required.


• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for existing automation solutions.


• Adhere to all safety protocols and company procedures during site and workshop activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.


• 0-3 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on industrial automation.


• Basic understanding of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI software.


• Familiarity with electrical schematics and control system design principles.


• Proficiency with common electrical test equipment.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.


• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.


• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Extensive training and professional development opportunities.


• Mentorship from experienced automation engineers.


• Exposure to a wide range of industries and cutting-edge automation technologies.


• A dynamic work environment in **George, Western Cape**.


• Medical aid contributions and retirement fund benefits.


• Clear career progression pathways within the company.