Senior Electrical Systems Engineer - Mining & Industrial

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Accommodation or housing allowance

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Electrical Systems Engineer for an on-site role near Upington, Northern Cape. You will design, implement, and optimize HV/MV electrical systems for mining equipment, processing plants, and infrastructure, collaborating with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of mining/heavy industry experience, hands-on control systems, PLC/SCADA, and power distribution expertise, with professional registration preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• 7+ years in electrical engineering in mining/heavy industry preferred.
• HV/MV experience including substations and distribution.
• Familiarity with ETAP, PSS/E, and AutoCAD Electrical essential.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement electrical systems for mining equipment and processing plants.
• Develop schematics, single-line diagrams, control architecture and specs.
• Perform load flow, fault studies, protection coordination, and grounding design.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and testing of electrical equipment.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and collaborate with operations and contractors.

Skills

HV power systems

MV distribution

Automation systems

PLC/SCADA

Electrical design

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

ETAP

PSS/E

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and heavy industrial sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Electrical Systems Engineer for their operations near **Upington, Northern Cape**. This is an on-site role requiring a deep understanding of electrical systems in demanding industrial environments. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of electrical systems for large-scale mining equipment, processing plants, and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in high-voltage systems, power distribution, automation, and control systems within the mining or heavy industrial context. You will work closely with site operations, maintenance teams, and external contractors to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of all electrical assets. This position offers the opportunity to work on challenging and technically complex projects in a critical industry, contributing to the operational success of the company. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and engineering excellence in all our operations. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of our key facilities. This role demands a hands-on approach and a dedication to problem-solving in a robust operational setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement electrical systems for mining equipment, processing plants, and infrastructure (e.g., high voltage substations, power distribution networks).
• Develop and review electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, control system architecture, and specifications.
• Perform electrical system analysis, including load flow, fault studies, protection coordination, and grounding design.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and testing of electrical equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical issues in a demanding operational environment.
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., OHS Act, SANS), mining regulations, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, geologists, and operations personnel.
• Manage electrical aspects of capital projects, including budgeting, procurement support, and contractor management.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to the development of maintenance strategies and reliability improvement initiatives for electrical assets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a significant focus on the mining or heavy industrial sector.
• Strong experience with high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) power systems, including substations and distribution.
• Proficiency in electrical design software and power system analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, AutoCAD Electrical).
• Experience with industrial automation, PLC/SCADA systems, and motor control is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of mining-specific electrical challenges and solutions.
• Proven ability to manage projects and work effectively on-site.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Professional registration with ECSA (e.g., Pr. Eng) is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package reflecting seniority.
• Opportunity to work on critical infrastructure in the mining sector.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Generous annual leave and holiday provisions.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Accommodation or housing allowance may be provided.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Company-provided transport or travel allowance for site access.