Principal Electrical Design Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Principal Electrical Design Engineer based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee the electrical design for large industrial plants and infrastructure, leading a team of engineers and designers to deliver robust, safe systems on-site.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Pr.Eng registration, and over 12 years of experience in industrial electrical projects, including HV/MV distribution, MCCs, and automation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Pr.Eng registration is mandatory and 12+ years in electrical projects.
• Experience with HV/MV power distribution, MCCs, and industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for major industrial projects from concept to commissioning.
• Develop detailed designs, schematics, single-line diagrams, and control philosophies.
• Specify equipment such as switchgear, transformers, motors, VFDs, and control systems.
• Mentor and manage a team of electrical engineers and designers.
• Ensure compliance with SANS, IEC, NEC and client specifications.
• Coordinate with project management and construction teams for seamless execution.
• Perform technical reviews, HAZOPs, and risk assessments of electrical systems.
• Oversee electrical project budgets and schedules with project managers.
• Provide expert electrical support during procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Serve as main technical contact for electrical aspects with clients.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

PSS/E

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned engineering firm specializing in heavy industrial projects, has an immediate opening for a Principal Electrical Design Engineer based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This is a full-time, on-site position critical for overseeing the electrical design aspects of large-scale industrial plants and infrastructure. The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and designers, ensuring the delivery of robust, safe, and efficient electrical systems. Responsibilities include detailed design, specification development, project planning, and technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle. We are looking for a seasoned professional with extensive experience in industrial electrical engineering, particularly within sectors like mining, petrochemical, or heavy manufacturing. The Principal Engineer will be the primary technical authority for electrical matters on assigned projects, requiring strong leadership, exceptional technical acumen, and a deep understanding of project execution in demanding environments. This role requires hands‑on involvement and presence at the project site for critical phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design effort for major industrial projects, from conceptualization through to commissioning.
• Develop and review detailed electrical designs, schematics, single-line diagrams, and control philosophies.
• Specify electrical equipment such as switchgear, transformers, motors, VFDs, and control systems.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers and designers, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Ensure electrical designs comply with all applicable codes, standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, NEC), and client specifications.
• Collaborate closely with project management, other engineering disciplines, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Conduct technical reviews, HAZOP studies, and risk assessments related to electrical systems.
• Develop and manage the electrical project budget and schedule in coordination with project managers.
• Provide expert technical support during the procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Act as the main technical point of contact for electrical aspects with clients and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal design role for industrial projects.
• Proven experience in the design of high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) power distribution systems, motor control centers (MCCs), and industrial automation.
• Expertise in relevant CAD and simulation software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, PSS/E, ETAP).
• In-depth knowledge of industrial electrical codes, safety standards, and best practices.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience with project management methodologies and execution on large capital projects.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is mandatory.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package reflecting the senior nature of the role.
• Opportunity to lead challenging and high-profile industrial projects.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Professional development and continuous learning support.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Annual bonus based on company and individual performance.