Lead Electrical Design Engineer – Industrial Automation Leader

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

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.