Senior Electrical Controls Engineer

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to design, implement, and support advanced control systems for bespoke automation projects in George, Western Cape. You will program PLCs, design control panels, and integrate robotic systems across customer sites.

The role requires extensive hands-on PLC programming experience (Siemens/Allen-Bradley/Omron/Mitsubishi), HMI/SCADA development, and strong electrical schematics knowledge. Travel to customer sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for industrial machinery and automation solutions, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA integration.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Select appropriate electrical components, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, drives, and safety devices.
• Implement and troubleshoot complex automation logic, motion control, and robotic systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams to ensure effective integration of electrical and mechanical components.
• Perform system testing, commissioning, and validation on the factory floor and at customer sites.
• Provide technical support and training to customers and field service personnel.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant electrical codes, safety standards (IEC, UL), and customer specifications.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, control hardware, and software.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standards for electrical controls design and implementation.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA integration

Industrial networking

Servo & motion control

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics background

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Omron PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of automated industrial machinery, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to join their innovative team in George, Western Cape, ZA. This role is critical for the design, development, implementation, and support of complex electrical control systems for bespoke automation solutions. You will be responsible for programming PLCs, designing control panels, integrating robotic systems, and ensuring the seamless operation of machinery for our diverse clientele. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with various PLC platforms, HMI development, servo systems, and industrial networking protocols, coupled with a strong understanding of electrical schematics and safety standards. Our client is committed to pushing the boundaries of automation technology and offers a dynamic work environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the efficiency and success of our customers' operations. You will work closely with mechanical engineers, software developers, and field service technicians to deliver cutting‑edge solutions. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for professional growth and the chance to work on exciting, challenging projects within the manufacturing and industrial automation sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for industrial machinery and automation solutions, including PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA integration.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Select appropriate electrical components, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, drives, and safety devices.
• Implement and troubleshoot complex automation logic, motion control, and robotic systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams to ensure effective integration of electrical and mechanical components.
• Perform system testing, commissioning, and validation on the factory floor and at customer sites.
• Provide technical support and training to customers and field service personnel.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant electrical codes, safety standards (e.g., IEC, UL), and customer specifications.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology, control hardware, and software.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standards for electrical controls design and implementation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical controls engineering, with a focus on industrial automation and machinery design.
• Extensive hands‑on experience programming PLCs from major manufacturers (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Omron, Mitsubishi).
• Proficiency in developing HMI/SCADA interfaces.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet).
• Experience with servo and motion control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to customer sites for commissioning and support.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development include access to advanced training programs, certifications, and attendance at industry-leading trade shows and conferences.
• Employees benefit from working in a highly innovative environment with state‑of‑the‑art technology, contributing to the design of cutting‑edge industrial machinery.
• This hybrid role provides a blend of in‑office collaboration and remote work flexibility.