Senior Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer

Smart4 Energy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering solutions company in South Africa is seeking a Senior Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer. The role involves leading engineering activities, designing systems for industrial furnace projects, and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should hold a degree in Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering and have at least 5 years of relevant experience. Strong technical and leadership skills are essential. This position may involve travel opportunities abroad.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in E&I and control systems.
• Track record in project management and team leadership.
• Advantageous experience in designing furnaces or industrial heating systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead E&I engineering activities for project delivery.
• Design electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Conduct risk assessments and comply with safety standards.

Skills

Project management

Technical leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Degree or Diploma in Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering

Tools

E-plan design software

PLC programming

SCADA systems

DCS programming

Job description

Overview

Senior Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer

Location: South Africa (with travel opportunities abroad)

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineer with strong technical expertise and leadership ability to join our project engineering team. This role offers the opportunity to work on challenging industrial furnace design and construction projects, from concept through to commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead E&I engineering activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and timely project delivery.
• Oversee planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover of E&I and control system packages.
• Design and develop electrical and instrumentation systems, including power distribution, control systems, and industrial instrumentation.
• Develop and review single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, loop diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Specify and select equipment and instrumentation in line with international standards.
• Support integration of PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and suppliers.
• Conduct risk assessments, HAZOP reviews, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering (Pr.Eng/Pr.Tech.Eng preferred).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in E&I and control systems within a project-based environment.
• Proven track record in project management and team leadership.
• Experience in designing and building furnaces, kilns, or industrial heating systems (advantageous).
• Familiarity with PLC, SCADA, DCS programming, and E-plan design software.
• Knowledge of HV, MV, LV systems, hazardous area classification (ATEX, IECEx), and relevant industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Strong technical and commercial awareness.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.
• Excellent leadership, planning, and organisational skills.
• Innovative and solutions-driven with strong client-facing ability.