Senior Electrical Engineer - Automotive Manufacturing

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Dental cover

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturer in East London, seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to enhance manufacturing facilities. You will maintain and optimize electrical systems and automated lines, drive innovations in automation, and lead a team of electricians and technicians.

The role focuses on reliability, energy efficiency, and advancing control systems within a high‑volume plant, collaborating with production and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in electrical engineering in manufacturing, automotive.
• Experience with industrial automation, PLC programming/troubleshooting (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), robotics, and HMI systems.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical distribution, motor control, power quality, and control systems in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with project management and leading engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety standards (e.g., OSHA, local regulations).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee electrical maintenance and troubleshooting of complex automated manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve reliability, performance and energy efficiency.
• Lead electrical design and installation of new equipment and automation upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, electrical codes, and environmental regulations.
• Manage electrical projects including scope, budgeting, scheduling and execution.
• Mentor junior engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Collaborate with vendors for procurement of components and equipment.
• Conduct root cause analysis for electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Stay updated on advancements in industrial automation and robotics.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI systems

Job description

Our client, a leading automotive manufacturer with significant operations in South Africa, is seeking a highly competent Senior Electrical Engineer to enhance their manufacturing facilities in the East London region. This role is integral to the maintenance, optimization, and continuous improvement of electrical systems and automated production lines within the plant. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of all electrical equipment, driving innovation in automation technologies, and leading a team of electrical technicians. This is a key opportunity to make a substantial impact on manufacturing processes in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment. You will collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure seamless operations and to implement advanced electrical and automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the electrical maintenance and troubleshooting of complex automated manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving electrical system reliability, performance, and energy efficiency.
• Lead the electrical design and installation of new equipment and automation upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, electrical codes, and environmental regulations in the manufacturing environment.
• Manage electrical projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior electrical engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Collaborate with vendors for the procurement of electrical components and equipment.
• Conduct root cause analysis for electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of advancements in industrial automation, robotics, and electrical control systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a strong focus on manufacturing environments, particularly automotive.
• Proven experience with industrial automation, PLC programming/troubleshooting (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), robotics, and HMI systems.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical distribution, motor control, power quality, and control systems in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with project management and leading engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety standards (e.g., OSHA, local regulations).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, dental cover, and retirement fund contributions.
• Employees benefit from extensive training, career development opportunities, and exposure to the latest automotive manufacturing technologies in East London .
• The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, providing a challenging yet rewarding work environment with excellent prospects for career advancement.