Principal Electrical Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1.200.000 - 2.000.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Hybrid work model

Private medical insurance

Retirement annuity

Extensive training programs

International exposure

Supportive work culture

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Electrical Engineer for Durban to lead the design and implementation of advanced electrical and control systems in automated manufacturing. The role demands technical leadership, strong problem-solving, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while delivering on major projects.

You will shape electrical architectures, select components, ensure IEC 60204-1 and SANS compliance, and collaborate with mechanical and software teams in a dynamic industrial hub.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of industrial electrical engineering and automation design experience.
• Proven track record leading complex projects from concept to completion.
• Deep PLC knowledge (Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI design.
• Strong proficiency in electrical CAD (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Knowledge of power distribution, motor control, and safety systems.
• Experience with robotics and vision systems is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Lead design of electrical control systems for automated manufacturing.
• Develop high-level electrical architecture and system specs.
• Oversee component selection (PLCs, HMIs, networks).
• Ensure designs meet IEC 60204-1, SANS standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and process engineers.
• Perform design reviews, risk assessments, and validations.
• Troubleshoot issues during commissioning and operation.
• Manage vendor relationships for components.
• Contribute to best practices and continuous improvement.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical

Multitasking

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

EtherNet/IP

Profinet

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of advanced automation solutions for the manufacturing sector, is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer to join their esteemed team in Durban. This senior position demands extensive experience in the design and implementation of complex industrial electrical and control systems. You will be responsible for providing technical leadership, driving innovation in electrical engineering strategies, and ensuring the successful execution of major projects. The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical understanding, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. This role is crucial for advancing our client's technological capabilities and supporting their growth within the Durban industrial hub. We are seeking a strategic thinker who can translate complex requirements into robust and efficient electrical designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and detailed design of electrical control systems for automated manufacturing processes.
• Develop high-level electrical architecture and system specifications.
• Oversee the selection of components, including PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and power distribution equipment.
• Ensure all designs adhere to relevant international and national electrical safety standards and codes (e.g., IEC 60204-1, SANS).
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to electrical engineering team members.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, software, and process engineers.
• Conduct thorough design reviews, risk assessments, and validation processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and control system issues during commissioning and operation.
• Manage vendor relationships for electrical components and systems.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial electrical engineering and automation design.
• Proven track record in leading complex engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Extensive knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell), HMI design, and industrial network protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Profinet).
• Strong proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Deep understanding of power distribution, motor control, and safety integrated systems.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Relevant professional certifications are advantageous.
• Experience with robotics and vision systems integration is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional salary package, competitive bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, including private medical insurance and a retirement annuity. This Hybrid role provides flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration with the team in Durban. Employees benefit from extensive training programs, opportunities for international exposure, and a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth.