Lead Control & Instrumentation (C&I) Design Engineer – Relocate to the Netherlands

Currents; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,685,000 - 2,247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full relocation package

Visa sponsorship support

Temporary housing assistance

Settling-in service

Job summary

A leading European engineering consultancy is seeking a theoretical design engineer to conceptualize control systems for major industrial projects. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant engineering degree and possess in-depth knowledge of control theory, safety standards, and design software such as EPLAN and AutoCAD. This role involves drafting functional specifications and managing detailed project documentation, providing a unique opportunity for a long-term career in Europe.

Qualifications

• Completed B.Eng or B.Sc.Eng degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering from a recognized university.
• Deep mathematical understanding of control systems theory.
• Experience with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) classifications.
• Familiarity with SANS 10142 and Hazardous Area Classifications (ATEX/Ex).

Responsibilities

• Conceptualizing and drafting Functional Design Specifications (FDS) and Control Narratives.
• Generating and managing instrument indexes, I/O lists, and detailed cable schedules.
• Designing protection philosophies, Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), loop diagrams, and hook-up drawings.
• Specifying complex field instrumentation and drafting procurement datasheets.
• Designing MCC layouts and remote I/O panels.

Skills

Deep mathematical understanding of control systems theory

Experience with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) classifications

Knowledge of SANS 10142

Experience with database-driven design software like EPLAN Electric P8

Experience with AutoCAD Electrical

Education

B.Eng or B.Sc.Eng degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering

Tools

EPLAN Electric P8

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

RELOCATE TO THE NETHERLANDS: FULL RELOCATION PACKAGE PROVIDED

(Includes Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant Visa sponsorship, 30% tax ruling application support, flight & temporary housing assistance, and a premium settling-in service for you and your family).

About Our Client & The Role

We are representing a leading European engineering consultancy that serves as the "brain" behind complex industrial facilities. They focus exclusively on the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), Basic Engineering, and Detailed Engineering phases.

In this role, you are the architect of the plant's nervous system, designing the control philosophy and power supply for major projects in the gas, food, and chemical sectors. Please note: This is a pure design and advisory role; our client is not involved in physical panel building, cable pulling, or site maintenance.

Visa & Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa and this specific position, candidates must meet the statutory salary and experience criteria as defined by the Netherlands' Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). We are seeking candidates with a strong academic and theoretical engineering background who are ready for a long-term career in Europe.

What You Will Do (The Design Tasks)

• Conceptualizing and drafting comprehensive Functional Design Specifications (FDS) and Control Narratives.
• Generating and managing instrument indexes, I/O lists, and detailed cable schedules using database-driven software.
• Designing protection philosophies, Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), loop diagrams, and hook-up drawings.
• Selecting and exact specifying of complex field instrumentation and drafting procurement datasheets.
• Designing the physical layout and wiring of Motor Control Centres (MCCs) and remote I/O panels.

Your Profile & Hard Skills

• Academic Foundation: A completed B.Eng or B.Sc.Eng degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering from a recognized university is essential.
• Theoretical Mastery: Deep mathematical understanding of control systems theory, short-circuit analysis, and voltage drop calculations.
• Standards & Safety: Experience with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) classifications and participating in HAZOP studies. Knowledge of SANS 10142 and Hazardous Area Classifications (ATEX/Ex) is crucial.
• Software Proficiency: Demonstrable experience with database-driven design software like EPLAN Electric P8 or AutoCAD Electrical.

🚫 NOT A MATCH IF (Red Flags)

This role is for theoretical designers. It is not a match if your recent experience is primarily as a: Wireman, Electrician, Panel Builder, Field Service Technician, or if you focus on Breakdown Maintenance and Fault Finding. If your career is centered on physical execution rather than conceptual modeling and calculations, this is not the right fit.