Principal Electrical Design Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Profit-sharing

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Electrical Design Engineer in Rustenburg to lead major infrastructure and industrial electrical design from concept to completion. You will mentor a team of engineers, develop design standards, and liaise with clients to ensure successful delivery while upholding safety and quality.

The role demands a strong technical background, extensive experience, and ability to drive design excellence and project outcomes across diverse sectors.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Pr. Eng. (ECSA) registration is mandatory.
• 10–12 years in electrical design engineering for large-scale projects.
• Expert knowledge of power distribution, lighting, earthing, and protection systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, ETAP and DIgSILENT PowerFactory.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design of infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects from concept to completion.
• Develop and implement advanced electrical design methodologies and standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and designers.
• Perform load estimations, fault studies, and protection coordination.
• Prepare detailed design documents, drawings, specifications, and tender packages.
• Conduct technical reviews of designs from team members and external consultants.
• Engage with clients and project managers to ensure design integration.
• Ensure compliance with local and international electrical codes and safety regs.
• Contribute to business development through proposals and client presentations.
• Stay updated on advancements and innovative solutions in electrical engineering.

Skills

Electrical design

Leadership

Client engagement

Mentoring

Power distribution

Protection coordination

Load estimation

Fault studies

ETAP

PowerFactory

Education

Master's in Electrical Eng

Pr. Eng. (ECSA)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Revit MEP

ETAP

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned international engineering consultancy, is seeking an exceptional Principal Electrical Design Engineer to join their growing practice. This role, based in Rustenburg, North West, will see you taking the lead on high-profile infrastructure and industrial projects. You will be responsible for the overall electrical design strategy, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the delivery of world‑class engineering solutions. This is an opportunity to shape the design standards and practices of our client, working on complex challenges that require innovative thinking and a profound understanding of electrical engineering principles. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience, a strong technical background, and the ability to inspire and guide a team. You will play a crucial role in client engagement, technical reviews, and quality assurance, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and sustainability. Your expertise will be highly valued, contributing significantly to the company’s reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of major infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects from concept to completion.
• Develop and implement advanced electrical design methodologies and standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of electrical engineers and designers.
• Conduct complex engineering calculations and analyses, including load estimations, fault studies, and protection coordination.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed design documents, drawings, specifications, and tender packages.
• Perform technical reviews of designs produced by team members and external consultants.
• Liaise directly with clients, project managers, and other disciplines to ensure design integration and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant local and international electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal writing and client presentations.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and innovative solutions in electrical engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressively responsible experience in electrical design engineering, with a focus on large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience in a Principal or Lead Engineer role, with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects.
• Expert knowledge of electrical design principles, power distribution, lighting, earthing, and protection systems.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and analysis software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
• Exceptional understanding of relevant building codes, standards, and legislation in South Africa.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client‑facing skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Ability to work effectively remotely while maintaining high levels of collaboration and productivity.
• Experience in mining or heavy industrial sectors is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry‑leading salary package designed to attract top talent, along with a comprehensive benefits suite including private medical insurance, a generous pension scheme, and potential for profit‑sharing. We provide unparalleled opportunities for career progression and professional development, including funded advanced training, international assignments, and opportunities to speak at industry events. The work culture is collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating, encouraging professional growth and knowledge sharing. Our client values work‑life balance, offering flexible working arrangements and supportive policies. You will have the chance to work on landmark projects that have a significant impact on national and international infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to influence engineering best practices and mentor the next generation of electrical engineers. Enjoy a stimulating career path with a globally recognized leader in engineering consultancy.