Senior Electrical Controls Engineer - Industrial Processes

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Career advancement

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking a Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to lead PLC/SCADA design, VFD/servo drive configuration, and control panel development for complex industrial processes. You will work with mechanical engineers and clients to meet performance and safety standards, delivering robust automation solutions from design to commissioning.

Ideal candidate has 6+ years in industrial automation, strong PLC/HMI programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000), CAD experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics is required.
• 6+ years of experience in industrial electrical controls engineering.
• Proficient in PLC programming with Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives and motor control systems.
• Familiarity with electrical panel design and CAD tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Knowledge of safety standards and functional safety principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC and HMI/SCADA systems for industrial automation applications.
• Program PLCs and configure HMIs for various processes.
• Select, install and commission MCCs, VFDs, and servo drives.
• Develop electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Troubleshoot electrical and control system issues in production.
• Collaborate with engineers and clients to define requirements.
• Perform risk assessments and ensure safety compliance.
• Maintain documentation including program code and P&IDs.
• Provide technical support and training to clients.

Skills

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

HMI/SCADA

WinCC

FactoryTalk View

Profibus/Profinet

Ethernet/IP

VFDs & servo drives

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Electrical schematics

Functional safety

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading firm in industrial process optimization and automation, is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to join their team in Nelspruit . This role focuses on the design, implementation, and support of electrical control systems for complex industrial processes. You will be responsible for developing PLC/SCADA systems, configuring VFDs and servo drives, and ensuring the seamless integration of automation solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, electrical hardware design, and programming, coupled with excellent problem-solving skills. This is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the efficiency and safety of industrial operations in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC and HMI/SCADA systems for industrial automation applications.
• Program PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and configure HMIs for various industrial processes.
• Select, install, and commission motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and servo drives.
• Develop electrical schematics and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and control system issues in a production environment.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and clients to define control system requirements and ensure successful integration.
• Perform risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards for control systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including program code, P&IDs, and user manuals.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and field technicians.
• Stay abreast of new developments in industrial automation technology and recommend improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial electrical controls engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and motor control systems.
• Familiarity with electrical panel design and schematic creation using CAD software (e.g., EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Understanding of functional safety principles and standards.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in the food & beverage, manufacturing, or processing industries is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits program encompassing medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Employees benefit from ongoing professional development, training opportunities, and exposure to diverse industrial automation projects.
• The role is based in our Nelspruit facility, offering a stimulating work environment.
• Be part of a company that values innovation, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the organization are available.
• The company provides a supportive team culture and rewards employee contributions.