Principal Electrical Design Engineer — Lead Automation

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Work-life balance initiative

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Design Engineer for its Durban team. Lead the design of advanced electrical control systems, PLC programming, HMIs, and automation infrastructure for heavy industrial applications.

You will mentor engineers, set technical direction, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver robust solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity on site.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial electrical design and automation engineering.
• Proven PLC programming and HMI development expertise.
• Strong knowledge of Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus.
• Experience with motor control, VFDs, and servo systems.
• Proficient in EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring staff.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of electrical control systems for industrial automation projects.
• Develop detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, panels, and BOMs.
• Select components ensuring safety, cost, and performance targets.
• Oversee assembly, testing, and commissioning of panels and systems.
• Provide technical support to project teams and field staff.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive technology updates.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and project teams to ensure integration.
• Adhere to IEC 61508, ISO 13849 and local safety regulations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial protocols

Motor control

VFDs

Servo systems

Electrical CAD software

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Design Engineer for its Durban team. Lead the design of advanced electrical control systems, PLC programming, HMIs, and automation infrastructure for heavy industrial applications.

You will mentor engineers, set technical direction, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver robust solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity on site.