Senior Electrical Maintenance Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary & benefits

Medical and retirement benefits

Performance-based incentives

Exposure to automation tech

Professional development

Dynamic team

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Electrical Maintenance Engineer to oversee electrical systems and automation in a state‑of‑the‑art facility.

You will develop preventive maintenance programs, troubleshoot complex faults, install and commission PLCs, VFDs and HMIs, and mentor technicians to reduce downtime.

Safety, reliability, and continuous improvement are at the core as you work with production and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in electrical maintenance within industrial/manufacturing settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage preventative and predictive maintenance for electrical equipment and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex electrical faults to minimize downtime.
• Install, commission, and maintain industrial automation systems including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Conduct root cause analysis for recurring failures and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all electrical maintenance complies with safety regulations and company policies.
• Manage spare parts inventory and propose upgrades or replacements.
• Train and mentor junior maintenance technicians on electrical systems and safety.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Maintain maintenance records and generate reports on equipment performance.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Shift work

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI software

VFDs

Profinet/Ethernet/IP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the manufacturing and industrial sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Maintenance Engineer to join their state-of-the-art facility in Durban . This role is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of all electrical systems and automated machinery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial maintenance, troubleshooting complex electrical issues, and implementing preventative maintenance strategies. You will play a key role in minimising downtime, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the safety of all electrical installations. This is an exciting opportunity to work with advanced automation technologies in a challenging yet rewarding environment in Durban , contributing directly to the company's production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all electrical equipment and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex electrical faults and system failures in a timely manner to minimize production downtime.
• Install, commission, and maintain industrial automation systems, including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and robotic systems.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for recurring electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all electrical maintenance activities comply with safety regulations, company policies, and industry best practices.
• Manage spare parts inventory and recommend necessary upgrades or replacements for electrical components.
• Train and mentor junior maintenance technicians on electrical systems and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and generate reports on equipment performance and maintenance activities.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in electrical maintenance within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in troubleshooting and repairing high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems, motor controls, and power distribution.
• Hands-on experience with various PLC brands (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI software, and VFDs.
• Familiarity with industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP) and automation architectures.
• Strong understanding of electrical safety standards (e.g., OSHA, local regulations).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work shifts and be on standby for emergency call-outs as required.
• Resident in or near Durban.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and performance-based incentives.
• Employees will gain exposure to cutting-edge industrial automation technologies, opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, and the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive team environment.
• This role provides a direct impact on operational efficiency and offers a stable career path within a leading company located in Durban .
• Additional benefits include access to wellness programs and potential for overtime.