Lead Electrical Design Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based incentives

Health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Design Engineer in Nelspruit to head the design team and drive electrical control systems for industrial projects. You will develop schematics, wiring diagrams, and control architectures while ensuring compliance with international standards and client specs.

You will mentor designers, perform critical electrical calculations, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated automation solutions across manufacturing facilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 9+ years in electrical design with a focus on industrial automation.
• Experience designing control panels for manufacturing/process industries.
• Proficiency with CAD software for electrical design (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial protocols.
• Experience with risk assessments and safety standards for control systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design projects and meet deadlines in Nelspruit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design process for industrial automation projects from concept to detailed design.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and control system architectures.
• Specify electrical components including motors, drives, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and switchgear.
• Ensure designs comply with IEC/NEC standards and client requirements.
• Mentor a team of electrical designers and engineers.
• Perform electrical calculations: load, voltage drop, short circuit analysis.
• Review designs from juniors and external vendors.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, automation specialists, and project managers.

Skills

Electrical design

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Team mentoring

Multitasking

Industrial automation

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering consultancy specializing in industrial automation solutions, is seeking a Lead Electrical Design Engineer to spearhead their design team in Nelspruit. This crucial role involves leading the conceptualization, detailed design, and specification of electrical control systems for a wide range of industrial projects, including manufacturing plants, processing facilities, and automated production lines. You will be responsible for ensuring that designs are innovative, cost-effective, compliant with international standards, and meet client specifications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in industrial electrical design, a strong understanding of automation technologies, and proven leadership abilities. Your expertise will be essential in delivering state-of-the art automation solutions for clients in the Mpumalanga region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design process for industrial automation projects, from concept to detailed design.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and control system architectures.
• Specify electrical components, including motors, drives, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and switchgear.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC, NEC) and client requirements.
• Oversee and mentor a team of electrical designers and engineers.
• Perform electrical calculations, including load calculations, voltage drop, and short circuit analysis.
• Review designs prepared by junior engineers and external vendors.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, automation specialists, and project managers to ensure integrated solutions.
• Provide technical support during the manufacturing, installation, and commissioning phases of projects related to Nelspruit.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 9 years of experience in electrical design, with a strong focus on industrial automation.
• Expertise in designing electrical control panels and systems for manufacturing and process industries.
• Proficiency with CAD software for electrical design (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• In-depth knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with risk assessments and adherence to safety standards for control systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously and meet deadlines for Nelspruit-based initiatives.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, performance-based incentives, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and excellent opportunities for professional development. You will be part of a leading engineering firm renowned for its innovation and technical expertise. This role provides the chance to lead challenging projects and shape the future of industrial automation in the Mpumalanga region, centered around Nelspruit.