Lead Electrical Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Health and retirement benefits

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Electrical Engineer in Cape Town to drive industrial automation initiatives. You will oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced electrical control systems, PLC/HMI development, and integration with plant operations.

You will lead a skilled team, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with software and mechanical teams on complex projects in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years in industrial electrical engineering and automation with a proven leadership record.
• Strong PLC programming knowledge (Siemens, Rockwell), HMI/SCADA experience, and industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Solid understanding of electrical safety regulations and risk assessment methods.
• Robotics integration and motion control experience is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership capabilities; strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems for industrial automation projects (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, SCADA).
• Create and manage electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control-panel layouts using CAD software.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and testing across production lines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical/automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with software and mechanical teams to integrate electrical systems with plant operations.
• Ensure designs comply with IEC 61508, OHS Act and industry best practices.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for electrical and automation initiatives.
• Provide mentorship to a team of electrical and automation engineers and technicians in Cape Town.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Industrial automation

Project leadership

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Electrical safety

Robotics integration

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

CAD software

Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Join a prestigious international manufacturing firm as a Lead Electrical Engineer specializing in Industrial Automation, based in our state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town. This senior position is critical to overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated automated systems that drive our production efficiency. You will be at the forefront of technological integration, ensuring our manufacturing processes are optimized through intelligent electrical and control systems. This role offers the unique chance to shape the future of industrial automation in a dynamic and growth-oriented environment. We are looking for an individual with a visionary approach to electrical engineering, capable of leading complex projects from concept to completion and contributing significantly to the company's operational excellence in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems for industrial automation projects, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and SCADA systems.
• Develop and manage detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and testing of automated equipment and systems across various production lines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and automation-related issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.
• Collaborate with software engineers and mechanical teams to integrate electrical systems with overall plant operations.
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508, OHS Act) and industry best practices.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for electrical and automation initiatives.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of electrical and automation engineers and technicians in Cape Town.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in industrial electrical engineering and automation, with a proven track record of leading projects.
• Extensive knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), HMI/SCADA development, and industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong understanding of electrical safety regulations and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with robotics integration and motion control systems is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration is highly advantageous.

Benefits

We offer a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and a dynamic work environment at our Cape Town facility. Opportunities for international travel and advanced training are available. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and providing career growth opportunities for its employees.