Senior Electrical Engineer - Mining Automation & Control

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + annual bonuses

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement savings plan

Annual leave & development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Automation and Control Systems for mining operations in Nelspruit. You will design, implement, and maintain advanced automation solutions to boost safety, efficiency, and productivity, with emphasis on PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA in heavy industry.

The role demands extensive experience in industrial control systems, mentoring junior engineers, and driving technology upgrades while ensuring reliability and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems, with mining sector focus.
• Knowledge of PLC programming languages (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram), HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP.
• Familiarity with VSDs, soft starters, and motor control centers.
• Registered Pr. Eng. with ECSA is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of electrical control and automation for mining equipment and processes.
• Oversee PLC, HMI, and SCADA configuration, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Manage instrumentation and control aspects of capital projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical docs.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards including functional safety (SIL).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineers and technicians.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement of automation hardware/software.

Skills

Automation & control systems

Mentoring

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI development

SCADA systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the mining industry, is seeking a seasoned Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Automation and Control Systems to join their operations team based in Nelspruit . This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced automation solutions that enhance the safety, efficiency, and productivity of mining operations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with industrial control systems, PLCs, SCADA, and instrumentation within a heavy industrial or mining context. You will be instrumental in driving technological upgrades, ensuring system reliability, and mentoring junior engineers. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of automation in a dynamic mining environment and contribute to operational excellence. The role demands strong technical expertise and a proactive problem-solving approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of electrical control and automation systems for mining equipment and processes.


• Oversee the configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMIs, and SCADA systems.


• Manage instrumentation and control aspects of capital projects, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.


• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation for automation systems.


• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards, including functional safety requirements (SIL).


• Collaborate with operational and maintenance teams to identify opportunities for automation improvements and system upgrades.


• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineers and technicians.


• Conduct root cause analysis for automation failures and implement corrective actions.


• Manage vendor relationships and the procurement of automation hardware and software.


• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices in mining.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.


• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation and control systems engineering, with a strong focus on the mining sector.


• In-depth knowledge of PLC programming languages (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram), HMI development, and SCADA systems.


• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).


• Familiarity with variable speed drives (VSDs), soft starters, and motor control centers.


• Proven ability to manage complex automation projects from concept to commissioning.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.


• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA is highly desirable.


• Ability to work effectively in a challenging operational environment and occasional travel to mine sites.


• Strong understanding of functional safety standards and principles.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including a substantial base salary, annual performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan.


• Employees are entitled to generous annual leave and ample opportunities for continuous professional development, including specialized training in automation technologies and project management.


• This role provides the chance to work on critical operational projects within a leading mining company, offering significant career advancement potential.


• The position is based in Nelspruit , within a stimulating and challenging operational environment.


• Our client is committed to employee well-being and fosters a culture of safety, innovation, and collaboration.


• Potential for progression to senior engineering and management roles within the organization.