Lead Electrical Design Engineer - Instrumentation & Control

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth is seeking a Lead Electrical Design Engineer specializing in instrumentation and control to lead the design, development, and implementation of complex systems for a range of industrial projects.

You will mentor engineers, manage project deliverables, ensure safety and standards, and collaborate across disciplines with hands-on design and strategic oversight in a demanding, rewarding environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 9+ years in electrical/instrumentation design for industrial automation.
• Experience with PLC/DCS, SIS, and instrumentation selection.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design of instrumentation and control systems.
• Develop schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and BOMs.
• Mentor a team of engineers and review deliverables.
• Collaborate with project managers and other disciplines.
• Provide site support during installation and commissioning.

Skills

Electrical design

Instrumentation

PLC programming

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechatronics

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering consultancy firm, is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Electrical Design Engineer with a specialization in instrumentation and control systems to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This leadership role involves overseeing the design, development, and implementation of complex instrumentation and control solutions for various industrial projects, including manufacturing, process industries, and infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of control system architectures, PLC/DCS programming, field instrumentation, and network communication protocols. You will be responsible for mentoring a team of engineers, managing project deliverables, and ensuring the highest standards of technical quality and safety. This is an excellent opportunity to take on significant technical responsibility and contribute to challenging projects within a respected organization. We are looking for a technically astute and collaborative leader who can drive innovation and ensure successful project outcomes. The position requires hands-on involvement in design and problem-solving, alongside strategic project oversight. You will be working in a demanding but rewarding environment, contributing to key sectors of the economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of instrumentation and control systems for diverse industrial projects.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) using CAD software.
• Specify and select instrumentation, control valves, PLCs, DCS, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and associated hardware.
• Oversee the programming and configuration of PLCs and DCS systems, as well as HMI/SCADA development.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISA, IEC), safety regulations, and client specifications.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical and instrumentation engineers, providing technical guidance and support.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, process engineers, mechanical engineers, and other disciplines to ensure integrated project execution.
• Provide technical support during site installation, commissioning, and start-up phases.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in electrical and instrumentation design, with a proven track record in industrial automation and control systems.
• Strong experience with PLC (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and DCS platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion).
• Expertise in specifying and selecting field instrumentation (transmitters, control valves, analyzers).
• Proficiency in industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Experience with safety standards such as IEC 61508/61511 for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet demanding deadlines.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, including comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based bonuses. This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth through advanced training, certifications, and exposure to diverse and challenging projects. You will be part of a respected engineering firm with a strong reputation for technical excellence and client satisfaction. We foster a collaborative work environment that values expertise and encourages career advancement. Relocation assistance may be provided for suitable candidates. Join a leading team in Port Elizabeth and contribute to critical industrial developments in the region and across South Africa . We prioritize employee well‑being and offer a supportive work‑life balance. Long‑term career prospects are excellent within this growing organization.