Senior Electrical Engineer - Industrial Automation

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer specialized in industrial automation to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of automated electrical control systems for manufacturing facilities in Pretoria. You will drive reliability, efficiency, and safety across complex machinery and production lines.

You will design schematics, program PLCs and HMI/SCADA, specify components, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated automation solutions, including

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in industrial automation and control system design.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical schematics and control architectures for industrial automation.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Specify and select electrical components, sensors, actuators, and drives.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and operations teams to integrate solutions.
• Oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of control systems.
• Provide training and support to maintenance teams.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI software

SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Electrical Engineer with deep expertise in Industrial Automation to join their core engineering team based in Pretoria. This critical role involves the design, implementation, and optimization of automated electrical control systems for manufacturing and industrial processes. You will be responsible for ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and safety of complex automated machinery and production lines. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding career path for an engineer passionate about cutting-edge automation technology and its application in improving industrial operations, working within a company that values technical excellence and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical schematics and control system architectures for industrial automation projects, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI software to ensure seamless operation of automated processes.
• Specify and select electrical components, sensors, actuators, and drives, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, software developers, and operations teams to integrate automation solutions into existing production facilities.
• Oversee the installation, testing, and commissioning of control systems, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance teams on automated systems, troubleshooting complex issues and implementing improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in industrial automation and electrical control system design.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text) and HMI/SCADA software development.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP) and safety standards.
• Experience with robotics integration and advanced manufacturing technologies is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills for on-site collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with annual performance reviews.
• Stable, on-site work environment with opportunities for career advancement.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Company-provided tools and resources for field work.
• Engaging projects involving the latest advancements in industrial automation technology.