Principal Electrical Project Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement

Leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Principal Electrical Project Engineer to lead electrical design and delivery for major capital projects. You will ensure technical integrity, safety, and compliance with codes while mentoring engineers and coordinating with clients and cross-disciplinary teams. This senior role requires 10+ years in electrical engineering with project leadership, strong knowledge of power systems, and Pr.

Eng. registration with ECSA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is essential.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering.
• Experience leading large-scale industrial electrical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical engineering design and execution for major capital projects.
• Develop and review detailed electrical designs including power distribution and MCCs.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources for electrical activities.
• Coordinate with clients, regulatory bodies and other disciplines.
• Oversee preparation of technical specifications, tender documents and BOQs.
• Conduct site inspections, commissioning activities and provide technical support.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians towards safety and continuous improvement.
• Perform risk assessments and mitigation for electrical challenges.
• Ensure compliance with national and international electrical codes and safety standards.
• Evaluate vendor proposals for electrical equipment.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering consultancy specializing in large-scale industrial infrastructure projects, is seeking a Principal Electrical Project Engineer for their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role is critical for leading the electrical engineering aspects of complex projects from inception through to commissioning. You will be responsible for the technical integrity, safety, and successful delivery of electrical systems, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and standards. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in project management and a deep understanding of electrical design principles applicable to industries such as mining, petrochemicals, or heavy manufacturing. This is a hands‑on leadership position requiring strategic thinking, meticulous planning, and the ability to mentor a team of engineers. You will play a key role in client engagement, technical decision‑making, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining our client's reputation for delivering high‑quality engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical engineering design and execution for major capital projects, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to project scopes.
• Develop and review detailed electrical designs, including power distribution, motor control centers, earthing systems, and lighting.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for all electrical engineering activities.
• Coordinate with clients, regulatory bodies, and other engineering disciplines (mechanical, civil, structural) to ensure seamless project integration.
• Oversee the preparation of technical specifications, tender documents, and bills of quantities for electrical equipment and services.
• Conduct site inspections, commissioning activities, and provide technical support during the construction and handover phases.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety.
• Perform risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for electrical engineering challenges.
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with national and international electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and ensure the quality and compliance of procured electrical equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in a project engineering or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale industrial electrical projects.
• Strong knowledge of power systems, distribution networks, and industrial automation.
• Proficiency with electrical design software and simulation tools.
• In-depth understanding of relevant electrical codes and safety standards (e.g., SANS, IEC, BS).
• Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is essential.
• Experience in mining, petrochemical, or heavy industrial sectors is highly preferred.
• Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Exposure to challenging and impactful engineering projects.
• A collaborative and professional working environment.
• Generous leave provisions.