Senior Electrical Controls Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to lead design, development and deployment of industrial control systems, spanning PLC, HMI, and networking, with hybrid work options. You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with clients and project teams, and ensure adherence to IEC/ISA standards while delivering safe, robust solutions across diverse automation projects.

8+ years of experience is required; Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in electrical controls engineering and industrial automation.
• Strong PLC/HMI experience and networking proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of electrical control systems including PLC programming and HMI/SCADA design.
• Specify electrical components, control panels, and instrumentation for automation projects.
• Develop robust control strategies to meet complex process requirements.
• Oversee electrical control system installation, commissioning and validation on-site.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and support for control systems in operation.
• Ensure all control system designs comply with IEC and ISA standards and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers and clients to define system requirements.
• Mentor junior controls engineers and drive automation standards.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Industrial networking

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Pr. Eng registration with ECSA (advantage)

Tools

Siemens S7

Rockwell Logix

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering firm renowned for its work in industrial automation and process control, is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to join their team in Randburg, Gauteng . This role involves the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated control systems for a wide range of industrial applications. You will lead complex projects, ensuring the integration of hardware and software components to optimize performance, efficiency, and safety. This hybrid position allows for close collaboration with clients and on-site project teams, alongside focused engineering work from the office. Based in the vibrant economic hub of Randburg , you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and advance your career. We are committed to attracting and retaining top talent, offering a challenging yet rewarding work environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in PLC programming, HMI design, and industrial networking, coupled with excellent leadership qualities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, and VFD configuration.
• Specify electrical components, control panels, and instrumentation for industrial automation projects.
• Develop and implement robust control strategies to meet complex process requirements.
• Oversee electrical control system installation, commissioning, and validation on-site.
• Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting for control systems in operation.
• Ensure all control system designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC, ISA) and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers, and clients to define system requirements and deliverables.
• Mentor junior controls engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering skill development.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of automation standards and best practices within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in electrical controls engineering and industrial automation.
• Extensive experience with major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Logix) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Proficiency in industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus).
• Strong understanding of electrical design principles, schematics, and safety standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required within Gauteng and nationally.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and specialized training.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging industrial automation projects.
• A dynamic and collaborative team culture.