Electrical Engineers

Circuits Engineer

Design Engineer

Electrical Controls Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Project Engineer

Engineer

Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer (I&E Reliability Engineer)

Project Engineer

Test Engineer

What is an Electrical Engineer?

Electrical Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, systems, and devices. They apply principles of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to efficiently create solutions for a variety of applications, including power generation, transmission, and distribution; control systems; telecommunications; and various electronic devices. Their work often involves complex problem-solving and requires strong analytical skills to ensure that systems work reliably and efficiently. Electrical Engineers may collaborate with professionals in multiple engineering disciplines and often engage in research to innovate and improve existing electrical technologies. With advancements in areas such as renewable energy, smart technologies, and automation, the role of Electrical Engineers continues to evolve, posing new challenges and opportunities in the field.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$69320.0 - $172050.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.

Technology Skills

Analytical or scientific software
Word processing software
- Microsoft OneNote
- Microsoft Word
Computer aided design CAD software
Development environment software
- C
- Eclipse IDE
- VBA
- Visual Studio
Operating system software

Tools Used

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

2072 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R60,939pm

Are You Ready to Power Your Future? A Guide to Becoming an Electrical Engineer in South Africa

Electrical engineering is the backbone of South Africa's infrastructure, from maintaining the national power grid to pioneering renewable energy solutions in the private sector. With 2138 active jobs currently available, the demand for skilled professionals remains high. The financial trajectory for the role is equally promising; while the average salary is R60,939pm, market data from 2024 shows a significant upward trend. Starting at approximately R53,626 in January, average monthly compensation has climbed steadily, reaching over R67,033 by December.

Is Electrical Engineering Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this rigorous career path, evaluate whether your natural inclinations align with the demands of the profession. Ask yourself if you possess the following traits:

Mathematical Aptitude: Do you have a natural grasp of complex calculations and physics principles?
Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy deconstructing a problem to find the root cause rather than just fixing the symptom?
Attention to Detail: In a field where a millimetre or a microvolt matters, are you naturally precise and meticulous?
Resilience: Can you maintain focus and safety standards while working under pressure or during emergency system failures?
Ethical Integrity: Are you committed to upholding the strict safety codes and standards required to protect public infrastructure?
Curiosity for Innovation: Do you have a genuine interest in how things work, from microchips to high-voltage power lines?

A Day in the Life of a South African Electrical Engineer

In the South African context, your day-to-day environment is often a blend of office-based design and hands-on site management. A typical morning might begin in a consulting office, using sophisticated software like AutoCAD or ETAP to design electrical reticulation for a new housing development or a solar farm. You will spend time reviewing technical specifications and ensuring your designs comply with SANS (South African National Standards).

By midday, you might find yourself on-site—perhaps at a substation, a manufacturing plant in Gauteng, or a wind farm in the Eastern Cape. Here, you will liaise with project managers and contractors, ensuring that installation matches the engineering blueprints. The afternoon often involves troubleshooting system faults or attending meetings to discuss energy efficiency and load-shedding mitigation strategies. It is a career that requires you to be as comfortable in a hard hat as you are behind a computer screen.

Education & Upskilling

To succeed in this competitive landscape, a solid educational foundation is non-negotiable. South Africa offers several pathways:

University Degrees: A Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) from a Washington Accord-accredited university is the gold standard for becoming a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng).
University of Technology: A Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEng Tech) focuses on the practical application of engineering principles, leading to registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist.
TVET Colleges: For those entering the artisan route, N-Diplomas combined with a trade test provide a vital pathway into electrical maintenance and installation.
Short Courses & Certifications: Specialized training in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Renewable Energy Design (PV Greencard), or Project Management (PMP) can significantly boost your marketability.

Crucially, the learning does not end with a degree. The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requires registered professionals to engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to keep their skills sharp and their registration active. In a world of rapidly evolving smart grids and AI integration, continuous learning is the only way to remain relevant.

Next Steps

Becoming an Electrical Engineer is a journey of dedication, technical mastery, and constant growth. The market is hungry for talent, and the financial rewards reflect the vital importance of this role. If you have the analytical mind and the drive to power South Africa's future, it is time to take the first step. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive career assessment to see if you have what it takes to excel in this powerhouse profession.

Skills

Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Abilities

Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

82 %
Associate's degree

11 %
Master's degree

7 %

Work Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

Design electrical equipment or systems.
Design structures or facilities.
Maintain electronic equipment.
Direct industrial production activities.
Direct construction activities.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.