PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (PRODUCTION LEVEL): ENGINEERING SERVICES

This position is for a Professional Electrical Engineer at the production level within the Engineering Services unit of the Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government. The role is an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) graded post, meaning salary is determined according to prescribed post-registration experience bands. The engineer will operate within a multi-disciplinary professional environment, applying advanced electrical engineering expertise to public infrastructure projects. The core purpose is to design new systems that solve practical engineering challenges, improve operational efficiency, and enhance safety across the department’s portfolio. This involves the full project lifecycle: planning, designing, operating, and maintaining engineering projects; developing cost-effective solutions that comply with standards; evaluating and updating technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate new technology; and preparing tender specifications. The role also requires ensuring that planning and design work undertaken by others adheres to sound engineering principles, norms, standards, and codes of practice, and approving engineering works accordingly.

To be considered, applicants must hold an Electrical Engineering degree (B Eng, BSc Eng, or a relevant equivalent qualification) and have at least three years of post-qualification engineering experience. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer is required, along with a valid code B driving licence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong working knowledge of programme and project management, engineering design and analysis, research and development, computer-aided engineering applications, legal compliance, and policy formulation in a multi-disciplinary setting. Technical report writing, professional judgement, networking, and the ability to create a high-performance culture are also essential. In terms of skills, the role demands decision-making, team leadership, analytical thinking, creativity, self-management, financial management, customer focus, communication, computer literacy in MS Office, planning and organising, conflict management, problem solving, people management, change management, and innovation.

Beyond technical delivery, the position carries significant human capital development responsibilities. The engineer will ensure the training and development of technicians, technologists, and candidate engineers, promoting skills and knowledge transfer while enforcing adherence to sound engineering principles and codes of practice. This includes supervising engineering work and processes, as well as administering performance management and development for team members. The role also involves office administration and budget planning: managing resources, preparing and consolidating inputs for resource utilisation, ensuring compliance with procurement and personnel regulations, monitoring and controlling expenditure, and reporting on both expenditure and service delivery. Research and development form another key pillar, with a requirement for continuous professional development to stay abreast of new technologies and procedures, conducting literature studies to improve expertise, and liaising with relevant bodies and councils on engineering-related matters.

Shortlisted candidates should note that the selection process includes interviews, the submission of vetting and supporting documentation, and two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability, and an integrity assessment. The selection process will be guided by the employment equity targets of the department. By applying, candidates consent to the Western Cape Government contacting previous employers for employment references, including checks on disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. Applications are submitted online, with technical support available during business hours for those experiencing difficulties, and all queries regarding the position should be directed to the named enquiries person. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a registered professional engineer seeking to make a tangible impact on public infrastructure while developing both technical and managerial competencies.