Lead Electrical Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual bonus

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Job summary

Our client in George, Western Cape seeks a Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead industrial automation initiatives, designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated electrical control systems. You will lead PLC/SCADA projects, mentor a team, and drive process optimization across manufacturing lines.

The role requires 10+ years in automation, strong leadership, and proficiency with Siemens/Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems for new industrial equipment and process lines.
• Oversee the integration of PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using CAD software.
• Implement and troubleshoot automation logic for reliable production operations.
• Manage electrical aspects of capital projects from design through installation and handover.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and operations teams to define system requirements.
• Develop and enforce electrical safety standards per OHS and industry best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of electrical/automation engineers.
• Optimize existing automation systems to improve performance and energy efficiency.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA system design

Industrial networks

Motor control & drives

Power distribution

Leadership & mentorship

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the manufacturing and process industries, is actively seeking a highly experienced Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead their industrial automation initiatives. This pivotal role is based in the bustling industrial hub of George, Western Cape . The successful candidate will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated electrical control systems and automation solutions that drive operational efficiency and product quality. This position demands a visionary leader with a deep understanding of modern automation technologies, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and process optimization. You will be at the forefront of technological adoption, ensuring our client remains competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. This is an on-site role, requiring presence at our client's state-of-the-art facility in George .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems for new industrial equipment and process lines.
• Oversee the integration of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Implement and troubleshoot automation logic, ensuring seamless operation of machinery and production processes.
• Manage electrical aspects of capital projects, from conceptualization and design through to installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, software developers, and operations personnel to define system requirements and ensure successful project execution.
• Develop and enforce electrical safety standards and procedures, ensuring compliance with OHS regulations and industry best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of electrical and automation engineers.
• Optimize existing automation systems to improve performance, reduce downtime, and enhance energy efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial automation and electrical engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, etc.) and SCADA system design.
• Proven experience with industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong understanding of motor control, variable speed drives, and power distribution in industrial environments.
• Proficiency in reading and creating electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 13849) is a plus.
• Experience working within the manufacturing or process industry is required.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, accompanied by an annual bonus structure, comprehensive medical coverage, and a generous retirement fund.
• Employees benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training programs and certifications.
• Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, where contributions are recognized and rewarded.
• The role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the success of a leading industrial enterprise in George .
• Additional benefits include subsidized meals and on-site parking.