Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Mining Equipment

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Travel opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Electrical Design Engineer for its Kimberley-based product development team. The role focuses on designing robust electrical systems for heavy mining equipment, ensuring reliability in underground and surface environments.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in electrical design for mobile/heavy machinery, with expertise in CAN bus, PLCs, and power electronics. Strong CAD skills and leadership are essential for coordinating cross-functional projects.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering with strong background in mobile/heavy equipment.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical design for mining or heavy machinery.
• Strong knowledge of CAN bus (J1939) and embedded control systems.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD software and simulation tools.
• Leadership skills and ability to mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design of complex mining equipment systems (power distribution, motor control, auxiliary systems).
• Develop detailed schematics, wiring harnesses, component selection, and integration plans.
• Design and implement control systems using PLCs and microcontrollers for harsh mining environments.
• Ensure compliance with SANS, ISO, and safety standards.
• Specify components considering vibration, dust, and temperature.
• Mentor junior engineers and support project teams.

Skills

Electrical design

CAN bus (J1939)

Motor control

Power electronics

Safety standards (SANS/ISO)

CAD software

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks Electrical

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of heavy mining equipment, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Electrical Design Engineer to join their product development team in Kimberley. This role is crucial for the design and innovation of electrical systems for underground and surface mining machinery. You will be responsible for creating robust and reliable electrical designs, ensuring compliance with stringent mining industry safety and operational standards.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems for mobile equipment, power distribution, control systems, and CAN communication. Join a dynamic engineering firm in Kimberley that is at the forefront of technological advancements in the mining sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of complex systems for mining equipment, including power distribution, motor control, and auxiliary systems.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, wiring harnesses, component selection, and system integration plans.
• Design and implement control systems utilizing PLCs and microcontrollers suitable for harsh mining environments.
• Ensure compliance with relevant mining industry standards (e.g., SANS, ISO) and safety regulations.
• Specify and select electrical components, considering environmental factors such as vibration, dust, and temperature.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical) for electrical design documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, systems engineers, and product specialists to ensure integrated and optimized designs.
• Perform electrical system testing, troubleshooting, and validation on prototypes and production equipment.
• Manage design documentation, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and change control processes.
• Mentor junior electrical engineers and provide technical guidance to support teams.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical design engineering, with a significant focus on mobile equipment or heavy industry.
• Proven experience in designing electrical systems for mining, construction, or agricultural machinery.
• Strong knowledge of CAN bus communication protocols (e.g., J1939) and embedded control systems.
• Expertise in motor control, power electronics, and AC/DC power systems.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD software and simulation tools.
• Understanding of safety systems and functional safety principles in heavy machinery.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage complex projects in Kimberley.
• Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic interface design is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical and retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development and travel. This role provides a challenging yet rewarding environment within a key sector of the South African economy, based in Kimberley. Career growth opportunities are significant for high-performing individuals.