Principal Engineer - Electrical (Resources + Industry)

Company Description

AECOM is seeking a Principal Engineer - Electrical (Resources + Industry) to be based in South Africa's Enterprise Capabilities office in Centurion. This position will support a team locally based in South Africa and Global Teams. The team's core focus is delivering mining, industrial and associated designs into AECOM's global Resources + Industry business. As a part of AECOM's culture, it offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement which accommodates both office and out-of-office work schedules.

About Enterprise Capabilities

Fundamental to our Think and Act Globally strategy and digital adoption, Enterprise Capabilities (EC) is AECOM’s primary vehicle for workshare. Operating across geographic boundaries and time-zones, EC partners with regional and Global Business Line project teams to provide technical expertise, accelerate delivery and keep AECOM competitive in the industry. 

With a team of over 3000 technical professionals located across nine countries and remote technical anchors, EC teams are trusted to deliver high-quality, specialist services that help to fill capability gaps, resourcing needs and technical constraints on projects of all scopes and sizes.  

Start here. Grow here.

Job Description

As a Principal Engineer - Electrical (Resources + Industry), you will provide principal-level technical leadership for electrical engineering projects across mining, industrial, energy and associated infrastructure sectors. You will lead complex work packages and provide engineering direction through studies, detailed design, procurement, construction support and commissioning.

A core part of the role is building capability within EC: setting expectations, strengthening technical governance, mentoring engineers and creating consistent, high-quality delivery across geographically dispersed teams.

Here is what you will do:

•  Lead the technical delivery of complex electrical engineering work packages across study, design, construction and commissioning phases.
•  Provide technical oversight for HV and LV power systems, substations, power distribution, mine infrastructure, process plants and associated industrial facilities.
•  Develop and review design criteria, calculations, studies, technical reports, specifications, datasheets, scopes of work and engineering deliverables.
•  Act as Lead Electrical Engineer on multidisciplinary projects, coordinating interfaces with process, mechanical, civil, structural, controls and commissioning teams.
•  Establish the checking, verification and technical assurance approach for assigned work and ensure compliance with project and AECOM quality requirements.
•  Support project planning, estimates, resource forecasts, design schedules, risk identification and technical decision-making.
•  Work closely with regional project teams and clients to clarify requirements, explain technical decisions and resolve complex issues.
•  Mentor engineers and designers, promote knowledge sharing and strengthen electrical engineering capability within EC.
•  Provide technical input to pursuits, proposals, delivery strategies and client engagement where required.
•  Drive standardisation, digital adoption, innovation and continuous improvement across the electrical discipline.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to engineers, project managers, clients and stakeholders from diverse technical and cultural backgrounds. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams in geographically dispersed and multicultural environments. 
• Proven ability to mentor and develop engineers while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing team culture. 
• Commercially aware and client-focused, with a strong understanding of project delivery, quality and value creation. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, make informed decisions and maintain delivery focus in a dynamic consulting environment. 
• Proactive leadership style, with the confidence to challenge assumptions, address technical risks and drive resolution of complex issues. 
• Highly accountable, responsive and reliable, with a track record of delivering on commitments. 
• Comfortable working across different cultures, time zones and delivery models, demonstrating cultural awareness, empathy and adaptability. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent recognised engineering qualification. 
• At least 12 years' experience in electrical engineering within the mining, resources, industrial, energy, water or heavy industry sectors. 
• Registered Professional Engineer with a recognised professional body. 
• Demonstrated consulting or EPCM experience and the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering delivery.
• Strong technical capability in HV/LV systems, substations, distribution networks, industrial electrical infrastructure or related power systems.
• Experience delivering coordinated engineering documentation across studies, design, procurement, construction and commissioning.
• Experience with renewable energy integration, power system studies, industrial control systems or communications networks is advantageous. 
• Experience in brownfield and greenfield mine or industrial developments is advantageous. 
• Experience leading technical communities of practice or developing capability within a global delivery organisation is advantageous. 
• Experience delivering Australian projects or applying Australian Standards is advantageous. Equivalent international mining or EPCM experience with demonstrated standards adaptability will also be considered. 

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

 

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.