Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Mining Sector

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation & subsistence allowances

Transport allowances

Medical aid and retirement fund

Leave provisions and study leave

CPD and training opportunities

Career advancement prospects

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Electrical Design Engineer in Upington to lead electrical system design for mining and processing facilities on site. You will drive power distribution, HV/MV protection, and automation systems to ensure safe, reliable operations in a demanding environment.

Advancing safety and productivity, you will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with project teams, and ensure compliance with SANS and international standards while delivering major capital mining projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering with focus on mining or heavy industry.
• 8+ years of progressive electrical design engineering experience.
• Experience with HV/MV systems and mining safety standards; Pr.Eng desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of power distribution, substations, MCCs, and plant utilities for mining operations.
• Develop detailed schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring schedules, and control logic diagrams.
• Specify equipment for harsh mining environments, including HV switchgear, transformers, motors, and VSDs.
• Oversee installation and commissioning, ensuring design and safety compliance.
• Conduct electrical hazard analyses and implement protection measures.
• Liaise with project managers, construction teams, vendors, and site personnel for project execution.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical issues during design, construction, or operation.
• Ensure designs comply with mining regulations, SANS standards, and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians; contribute to continuous improvements.

Skills

HV & MV distribution

Automation & control (PLC/SCADA)

Hazardous area installations

Leadership

Mine electrical safety regulations

AutoCAD Electrical

ETAP

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Pr.Eng / ECSA desirable

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining operation in the Upington, Northern Cape area, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Electrical Design Engineer to lead the design and implementation of electrical systems for their mining and processing facilities. This role is critical for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical infrastructure, including power distribution, motor control, and automation systems tailored for the unique demands of the mining environment. You will be responsible for developing innovative electrical solutions that enhance productivity and safety in a challenging operational setting. This is a site-based position requiring full commitment to the operational demands of the mining industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of power distribution systems, substations, motor control centers (MCCs), and plant utilities for mining and processing plants.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring schedules, and control logic diagrams.
• Specify electrical equipment suitable for harsh mining environments, including high-voltage switchgear, transformers, motors, and variable speed drives (VSDs).
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of electrical systems, ensuring compliance with design and safety standards.
• Conduct electrical hazard analyses and implement appropriate safety measures and protection systems.
• Liaise with project managers, construction teams, vendors, and site personnel to ensure successful project execution.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical issues encountered during design, construction, or operation.
• Ensure all electrical designs adhere to relevant mining regulations, SANS standards, and international best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior electrical engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of electrical systems and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in electrical design engineering, with a significant portion focused on the mining or heavy industrial sectors.
• Proven experience in designing and managing electrical systems for mining operations, including surface and underground facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) power distribution, protection systems, and earthing.
• Familiarity with automation and control systems (PLC, SCADA) commonly used in mining.
• Experience with hazardous area electrical installations and intrinsically safe systems is essential.
• Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP) and project management tools.
• Strong understanding of mine electrical safety regulations and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding, site-based environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive accommodation, transport, and subsistence allowances.
• Opportunities to work on major capital projects in the mining industry.
• Excellent medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Substantial leave provisions, including annual, family responsibility, and study leave.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• Career advancement prospects within a leading mining organization.