Senior Electrical Design Engineer (Industrial Automation)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Design Engineer to design electrical control systems, PLCs, HMI, and SCADA for diverse industrial applications in Stellenbosch. You will develop robust automation solutions, specify components, and lead FAT/SAT and commissioning.

A hands-on engineer will thrive here with strong collaboration across project teams. The ideal candidate has a solid background in industrial electrical design, programming, and automation technologies, with a proactive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years hands-on experience in electrical design and programming of industrial automation.
• Proven expertise with PLC programming platforms such as Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Studio 5000 and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols like Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams for PLC-based automation systems using CAD software.

Skills

Electrical design

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial automation

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

CAD software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of automation solutions for the manufacturing and processing industries, seeks an experienced Senior Electrical Design Engineer to join their innovative team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role focuses on the design and implementation of advanced electrical control systems, PLCs, HMI, and SCADA solutions for a diverse range of industrial applications. You will play a key role in developing robust, efficient, and reliable automation systems that enhance operational performance for clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial electrical design, programming, and a deep understanding of automation technologies. This position requires a hands‑on approach and a commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design electrical control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams for PLC-based automation systems using CAD software.
• Program and configure Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) from various manufacturers (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Omron).
• Develop Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for system monitoring and control.
• Specify electrical components, including motors, drives, sensors, and control devices.
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and provide support during Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) and commissioning.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and automation system issues during design, installation, and operation.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers, and clients to define system requirements and ensure successful project delivery.
• Maintain design documentation, including P&IDs, electrical drawings, and software backups.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in automation technology and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in electrical design and programming of industrial automation systems.
• Proven expertise with PLC programming platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI/SCADA software.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience in designing and specifying control panels according to relevant standards.
• Familiarity with electrical safety standards and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, crucial for client interaction in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• A passion for automation and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive remuneration package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for specialized training and career growth.
• This role is based on-site in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offering a stable and collaborative work environment.