Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Automation & Control

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career progression

Training & certifications

Generous leave

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Design Engineer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape to lead the electrical design of advanced automation systems. You will collaborate with mechanical and software teams to deliver innovative, safe, and reliable equipment for global markets.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in electrical design for industrial automation, strong PLC/HMI skills, and proficiency with electrical CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in electrical design for industrial automation.
• Experience with PLC programming (Siemens S7, Rockwell).
• HMI development (WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Familiar with IEC, UL, CE safety standards and ISO 13849.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for complex automation systems.
• Develop wiring diagrams, schematics, and panel layouts.
• Select components like PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors.
• Program PLCs and develop HMI interfaces with software.
• Ensure designs meet IEC/UL/CE and ISO 13849 standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical CAD

Industrial automation

Electrical design

VFDs & motion control

Safety standards

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

SA regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-leading manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Design Engineer to join their advanced engineering team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is central to the design and development of sophisticated automation and control systems for cutting-edge machinery. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in electrical hardware design, PLC/HMI integration, and ensuring the seamless operation of complex electromechanical systems. You will be responsible for leading electrical design efforts, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with mechanical and software teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet rigorous performance and safety standards. This position offers a fantastic career opportunity within a globally recognized company renowned for its technological innovation and commitment to engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of complex automation and control systems for industrial machinery.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Specify and select electrical components, PLCs, HMIs, drives, and sensors.
• Design and implement PLC programs and HMI interfaces in collaboration with software engineers.
• Ensure electrical designs comply with international standards (e.g., IEC, UL, CE) and safety regulations (e.g., ISO 13849).
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering to ensure optimal integration of electrical systems with machine design.
• Perform electrical testing, troubleshooting, and validation of prototypes and production machines.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, commissioning, and field service teams.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers and designers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in electrical design processes and product development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical design engineering, with a strong focus on industrial automation and control systems.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell ControlLogix) and HMI development (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• In-depth knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Strong understanding of machine safety standards and functional safety principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead projects and work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs) and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with South African electrical regulations is beneficial.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and innovative projects in Stellenbosch.
• Collaborative and high-performance work culture.
• Company-sponsored training and certifications.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Potential for international travel for project support or training.