Principal Electrical Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Group life assurance

Retirement fund

Professional development budget

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a distinguished Principal Electrical Engineer to lead industrial automation initiatives in Rustenburg. This senior role designs and optimizes electrical systems for large-scale mining and processing facilities in the North West province.

You will mentor engineers, oversee capital projects, and drive safety, reliability, and performance improvements across plants, collaborating with operations, maintenance and project teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, specialized in Control Systems or Industrial Automation.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA required.
• ≥10 years in electrical engineering with emphasis on industrial automation in heavy industry.
• Experience with Siemens or Rockwell PLCs and SCADA systems.
• Strong knowledge of Profibus, Profinet, Modbus.
• Experience with safety circuits and electrical design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of industrial electrical systems and automation strategies.
• Oversee PLC/SCADA/HMI integration and networks.
• Develop electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety analyses.
• Manage capital projects including budget and contractor oversight.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with operations and maintenance.
• Develop design standards and best practices.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Industrial Automation

Leadership

Project Management

PLC/SCADA

HMI/Networks

Safety Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Mentoring

Education

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Pr Eng Registration (ECSA)

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

SCADA

Profinet/Modbus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and industrial processing sector, is seeking a distinguished Principal Electrical Engineer to lead their industrial automation initiatives. This senior role, based in Rustenburg , is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and optimization of electrical systems and automation solutions within large-scale industrial facilities. You will leverage your extensive expertise to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across complex manufacturing and processing plants in the North West province. This is an opportunity to shape the future of industrial operations through advanced electrical and automation engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership in the design and development of industrial electrical systems and automation control strategies.
• Oversee the specification, selection, and integration of PLCs, SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for complex machinery and processes.
• Conduct detailed risk assessments and safety analyses for electrical and automation systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex electrical and control system failures, implementing corrective actions and preventative measures.
• Manage electrical engineering aspects of capital projects, including budget, scope, schedule, and contractor oversight.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in industrial automation and electrical engineering, recommending advancements where appropriate.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of systems.
• Develop and maintain electrical design standards and best practices for the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Control Systems or Industrial Automation.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng).
• A minimum of 10 years of intensive experience in electrical engineering, with a significant focus on industrial automation and control systems in heavy industry (e.g., mining, manufacturing, processing).
• Proven experience with major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) and SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Modbus).
• Expertise in electrical design, power distribution, motor control, and safety circuits for industrial environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Superior communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with HAZOP studies and functional safety (SIL) is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Performance-related annual bonus and long-term incentive plan.
• Comprehensive medical aid, group life assurance, and robust retirement fund.
• Generous professional development budget for training, conferences, and certifications.
• Opportunity to work on state-of-the-art industrial automation projects in Rustenburg .
• Potential for international travel and exposure to global best practices.
• Executive-level benefits and a supportive senior leadership team.