Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Industrial Controls

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Senior Electrical Design Engineer specializing in Industrial Controls to design and develop electrical control systems for advanced manufacturing equipment.

You will lead PLC/HMI programming (Siemens/TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000), create schematics and panel layouts with CAD software, mentor junior engineers, and ensure safety and reliability through testing and cross‑functional collaboration. Occasional travel for project support is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in electrical design with industrial controls.
• Experience in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI development.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for industrial machinery, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and robotics.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using CAD software.
• Program and configure PLCs and develop HMI interfaces.
• Specify electrical components and ensure their compatibility and reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical and software engineering teams to ensure integrated system performance.
• Conduct electrical testing, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototypes and production machines.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, field service, and customers for electrical issues.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant safety standards (IEC 60204-1, ISO 13849) and industry regulations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Servo systems

Industrial networks

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Hands-on collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell Studio 5000

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialized manufacturing equipment, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Design Engineer with expertise in Industrial Controls to join their team in Bloemfontein. This is a crucial, office-based role focused on the design and development of complex electrical control systems for advanced manufacturing machinery. You will be responsible for creating innovative and reliable electrical solutions that enhance machine performance, safety, and efficiency. The role requires a deep understanding of PLC programming, HMI development, servo systems, and industrial networking. You will work collaboratively with mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers to ensure seamless integration of electrical components into the final product. As a Senior Engineer, you will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with a strong commitment to quality and innovation. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining our client's competitive edge in the manufacturing sector. This position is centered at our Bloemfontein facility, offering extensive opportunities for hands-on work and team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for industrial machinery, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and robotics.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using CAD software.
• Program and configure PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) and develop HMI interfaces.
• Specify electrical components and ensure their compatibility and reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical and software engineering teams to ensure integrated system performance.
• Conduct electrical testing, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototypes and production machines.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, field service, and customers for electrical issues.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., IEC 60204-1, ISO 13849) and industry regulations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system problems.
• Contribute to the development of design standards and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical design engineering, with a strong focus on industrial controls.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000) and HMI development.
• Solid understanding of motor control, servo systems, industrial networks (e.g., Profinet, EtherNet/IP), and safety integrated systems.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD software (e.g., EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on, collaborative environment in Bloemfontein.
• Experience with robotic systems is a plus.
• Willingness to occasionally travel for project support.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and potential performance bonuses. You will be part of a stable, growing company with a strong focus on technological advancement and employee development. We provide opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Join a dedicated team in Bloemfontein and work on exciting, cutting-edge industrial automation projects. This is a permanent, office-based role offering stability and the chance to make a significant impact.