Principal Electrical Design Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Generous leave allowances

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Electrical Design Engineer in Cape Town to lead electrical design for high-profile commercial, residential, and industrial projects across the Western Cape. You will guide technical strategy and ensure compliant, innovative solutions.

The role requires a strong leader with 10+ years in electrical design, Pr.Eng. with ECSA, and proven project management, client liaison, and mentoring of engineers and technicians on-site.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of electrical design experience with 3+ years in lead roles.
• Experience delivering large-scale commercial, residential or industrial projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African codes (SANS) and international equivalents.
• Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design from concept to construction documentation.
• Develop power distribution, lighting, earthing, and LV systems.
• Perform load analyses, fault level calculations, and energy efficiency studies.
• Coordinate with other disciplines and architectural plans.
• Prepare specs, design reports, tender docs, and drawings.
• Mentor engineers and technicians; ensure quality and QA.
• Conduct site visits to oversee installation and queries.
• Engage with clients, contractors, and authorities to present proposals.
• Stay updated on codes, standards, and best practices for the Western Cape.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client liaison

Electrical design

Communication

Education

MSc/MEng in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit MEP

Dialux

Energy simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned architectural and engineering consultancy based in the vibrant city of Cape Town , is seeking an exceptional Principal Electrical Design Engineer. This senior-level position is crucial for leading the electrical design aspects of a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects, including commercial complexes, residential developments, and industrial facilities across the Western Cape . You will be instrumental in shaping the electrical infrastructure of significant developments, ensuring innovative, efficient, and compliant design solutions. This role demands a visionary leader with a proven track record in electrical design, project management, and client liaison. The position requires a strong presence in the office and on-site for critical project phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design process for complex projects from conceptualization through to construction documentation, ensuring adherence to project budgets and timelines.
• Develop detailed electrical system designs, including power distribution, lighting, earthing, lightning protection, and low-voltage systems for Cape Town projects.
• Perform complex calculations and simulations for load analysis, fault levels, and energy efficiency.
• Coordinate electrical designs with other engineering disciplines (structural, mechanical, plumbing) and architectural plans.
• Prepare and review technical specifications, design reports, tender documents, and construction drawings.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and quality assurance.
• Conduct site visits during the construction phase to oversee installation quality, resolve design queries, and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Engage directly with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities to present design proposals, negotiate solutions, and ensure project satisfaction.
• Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, building codes, and industry best practices in electrical engineering for the Western Cape region.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in electrical design, with at least 3 years in a principal or lead engineer role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering large-scale commercial, residential, or industrial projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African electrical codes, SANS standards, and international equivalents.
• Proficiency in electrical design software such as AutoCAD, Revit MEP, Dialux, and simulation tools.
• Exceptional leadership, project management, and client management skills.
• Strong understanding of sustainable design principles and energy-efficient technologies.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a top-tier pension fund, performance bonuses, and generous leave allowances. Our client invests in employee growth, offering opportunities for continuous professional development, attendance at industry conferences, and career advancement within a respected firm. Employees in Cape Town will have the chance to work on landmark projects that shape the urban landscape.