Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health & retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to spearhead the control systems division in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will design, develop, implement, and maintain automated electrical control systems for industrial processes, leading a team of controls engineers and driving innovation in automation.

The role combines remote work with on-site collaboration, focusing on safety compliance, vendor management, and ongoing optimization of manufacturing systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in industrial electrical controls engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with AC/DC drives and motor control for automation.
• Leadership and project management experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for team interaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of electrical control systems including PLC/DCS programming, HMI/SCADA development, and VFD integration.
• Develop electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and wiring diagrams.
• Oversee on-site and remote testing, commissioning, and validation of control systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of controls engineers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with process engineers and Operations to define control requirements.
• Ensure designs comply with IEC, ISA standards and safety regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new automation technologies.
• Participate in design reviews and provide expert recommendations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Team leadership

Industrial automation

Electrical safety

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics degree

Tools

Siemens

Rockwell

SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to spearhead their control systems division in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA. This pivotal role involves the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated electrical control systems for automated industrial processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong command of PLC programming, HMI design, industrial automation technologies, and electrical safety standards. You will lead a team of controls engineers, drive innovation in automation solutions, and ensure the seamless operation of our client's manufacturing and processing facilities. This hybrid role offers the flexibility of remote work combined with essential on-site collaboration, providing a balanced approach to modern engineering challenges. Join us to make a tangible impact on operational efficiency and technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems, including PLC/DCS programming, HMI/SCADA development, and VFD integration.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and wiring diagrams.
• Oversee the implementation, testing, and commissioning of control systems on site and remotely.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of electrical and controls engineers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operations teams to define control system requirements and specifications.
• Ensure all control system designs comply with industry standards (e.g., IEC, ISA) and safety regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new automation technologies.
• Participate in design reviews and provide expert recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial electrical controls engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with AC/DC drives, motor control, and power distribution for automation.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective team and stakeholder interaction.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote tasks with on-site requirements in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth, certifications, and advanced training.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Chance to work on innovative automation projects in a key industrial hub.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.