Hiring Now | Lead Engineer – Electrical (EV Development) | Brackenfell, Cape Town, Western Cape | Permanent Position Available
Unitrans, one of South Africa’s leading logistics and transport companies, is urgently hiring a Lead Engineer – Electrical (EV Development) at its Head Office in Brackenfell, Cape Town. If you are looking for a senior technical leadership role at the cutting edge of electric vehicle fleet electrification, this is your chance to drive one of the most transformative engineering programmes in South African logistics and build a career-defining legacy in sustainable fleet technology.
⚡ Don’t miss this opportunity — applications close 24 April 2026. Apply today.
Lead Engineer – Electrical Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Lead Engineer – Electrical (EV Development) |
| Reference Number | UNI260410-5 |
| Company | Unitrans |
| Business Unit | HO Technical / Administration |
| Location | Brackenfell, Cape Town, Western Cape |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Contract Type | Permanent – Normal |
| Closing Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Accepting Applications Now |
What Does a Lead Engineer – Electrical Do at Unitrans?
The Lead Engineer Electrical – EV Development serves as the technical authority responsible for driving Unitrans’ transition from a predominantly internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet to a high-efficiency, reliable, and scalable electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. In this role, you will lead the end-to-end electrical engineering lifecycle of EV platforms — including powertrains, energy management systems, and charging infrastructure — while partnering closely with fleet, operations, infrastructure, and technology teams to enable large-scale electrification across the Unitrans logistics network.
This is a strategic, highly technical, senior engineering leadership role that requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration, and 7–10+ years of electrical engineering experience including a proven track record in EV development, high-voltage systems, or large-scale fleet electrification programmes.
Key Responsibilities of a Lead Engineer – Electrical
Strategic EV Fleet Integration
- Develop and execute the technical roadmap for the electrification of logistics assets, defining vehicle specifications, powertrain architectures, and supplier selection criteria that support phased fleet transition targets.
- Conduct technical feasibility assessments and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analyses comparing EV platforms to legacy ICE fleets, ensuring electrification decisions deliver measurable lifecycle cost savings and performance improvements.
- Establish and enforce EV engineering and modification standards, ensuring all vehicle acquisitions and conversions comply with international safety standards (ISO, IEC), local grid codes, and internal governance requirements.
Electrical Systems & Powertrain Design
- Lead the design, integration, and validation of high-voltage (HV) electrical systems including battery packs, battery management systems (BMS), inverters, motor controllers, and auxiliary power systems.
- Develop and refine control strategies and energy management algorithms that optimise vehicle range, battery health, and power efficiency under demanding heavy-duty logistics duty cycles.
- Oversee prototype build, testing, and validation programmes — including thermal management performance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and safety testing — ensuring designs are production-ready and reliable.
Charging Infrastructure & Energy Solutions
- Design and implement depot- and site-specific EV charging infrastructure solutions, incorporating load balancing, redundancy, and scalability to support expanding EV fleets.
- Integrate charging systems with onsite energy solutions and renewable energy sources where feasible, contributing to reductions in peak demand, energy costs, and carbon intensity.
- Liaise with distribution network operators (DNOs) and energy providers to secure power capacity and approvals required for large-scale depot electrification programmes.
Operational Performance & Cost Optimisation
- Ensure EV systems and infrastructure deliver required fleet availability, reliability, and uptime, reducing vehicle downtime and electrical-related failures.
- Drive engineering solutions that reduce total cost of ownership through improved energy efficiency, optimised charging strategies, and extended component and battery life.
- Support operations teams with fault diagnostics, root-cause analysis, and scalable corrective actions for complex high-voltage system issues encountered in the field.
Leadership, Project Delivery & Stakeholder Management
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, fostering a safety-critical, first-time-right engineering culture.
- Act as the primary technical interface with EV OEMs, power electronics suppliers, and infrastructure vendors, ensuring solutions meet Unitrans’ operational, safety, and durability requirements.
- Lead EV engineering projects from concept through deployment, ensuring delivery within agreed timelines and budgets while meeting performance and compliance objectives.
Engineering Governance, Safety & Risk Management
- Ensure all EV systems, charging infrastructure, and electrical modifications comply with applicable safety, grid, and engineering standards, supporting strong audit and regulatory outcomes.
- Identify and mitigate electrical, operational, and safety risks associated with high-voltage systems and large-scale fleet electrification.
- Develop and maintain EV engineering guidelines, specifications, and best practices to standardise electrification solutions across regions and operating environments.
Minimum Requirements – Lead Engineer – Electrical
To be considered for this Lead Engineer position, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Mechatronics, Automotive Electronics) — essential
- Chartered Engineer or Professional Engineer registration (Pr.Eng / PE) — essential
Experience:
- 7–10+ years of experience in electrical engineering — essential
- Minimum 3–5 years in a senior or lead engineering role
- Proven experience in EV development, high-voltage systems, power electronics, or large-scale fleet electrification programmes
- Demonstrated ability to deliver complex electrical systems from design through to operational deployment
Technical Competencies:
- Advanced understanding of power electronics, electric machines, DC motors, and lithium-ion battery systems
- Expertise in high-voltage system safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and thermal management
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, MATLAB/Simulink, and power system analysis tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or PVSyst
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies:
- Strategic Engineering Leadership — ability to translate electrification strategy into scalable engineering solutions
- Problem-Solving & Diagnostic Capability — rapid fault identification and resolution in high-risk HV environments
- Executive & Stakeholder Communication — ability to clearly articulate complex EV roadmaps to non-technical and executive audiences
- Collaboration & Influence — proven ability to work effectively across fleet, operations, infrastructure, and supplier environments
Legal Requirements:
- Valid South African ID Document or valid work authorisation
Core Values We Look For in a Lead Engineer – Electrical
✅ Technical Mastery & Innovation
Driving a large-scale ICE-to-EV fleet transition requires not just knowledge, but genuine engineering leadership and the ability to solve problems that don’t yet have established solutions. We value engineers who push technical boundaries purposefully.
✅ Safety-Critical Mindset
High-voltage systems in heavy-duty logistics environments carry serious risks. We need a Lead Engineer who designs for safety first, enforces compliance rigorously, and builds a safety-critical culture across the engineering team.
✅ Strategic Thinking
This role is not just about building EV systems — it is about shaping Unitrans’ electrification future. We value engineers who understand the commercial, operational, and sustainability dimensions of the decisions they make.
✅ Stakeholder Communication & Influence
Translating complex electrical engineering into clear, compelling narratives for executive, operational, and supplier audiences is as important as the engineering itself. We value leaders who communicate with clarity and confidence at every level.
✅ Delivery & Accountability
EV fleet electrification programmes involve significant capital investment and organisational commitment. We value engineers who take ownership of outcomes, manage projects to completion, and deliver results that hold up in the field.
Career Growth Opportunities in EV Engineering & Fleet Technology
A Lead Engineer – Electrical role at Unitrans is a flagship position in the rapidly growing South African EV and sustainable logistics sector:
- Lead Engineer – Electrical → Principal Engineer / Chief Engineer: EV Systems
- Principal Engineer → Head of Engineering: Electrification
- Head of Engineering → Director: Fleet Technology & Sustainability
- Director → Group Executive: Technical Operations
As EV adoption accelerates across South African logistics, the demand for senior electrical engineers with fleet electrification experience will grow significantly — making this role a strategically important career move.
Frequently Asked Questions – Lead Engineer – Electrical Jobs
Is a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration required? Yes. Chartered Engineer or Pr.Eng / PE registration is listed as an essential requirement. Candidates who are not yet registered as Professional Engineers may not meet the threshold for this senior lead role.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis involve in this context? TCO analysis for fleet electrification involves comparing the full lifecycle costs of EV platforms against legacy ICE vehicles — including acquisition, energy, maintenance, charging infrastructure, battery replacement, and residual value — to determine whether electrification delivers measurable commercial advantage over the vehicle’s operational life.
What is a Battery Management System (BMS)? A BMS is the electronic system that monitors and manages a battery pack’s state of charge, state of health, temperature, and cell balancing to ensure safe, efficient, and long-life battery operation. Deep expertise in BMS design and integration is central to this role.
What is EMC and why does it matter for EV systems? EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) refers to the ability of electrical equipment to operate correctly in its electromagnetic environment without causing interference to other systems. In EV applications, EMC is critical because high-voltage powertrains and charging systems generate significant electromagnetic emissions that must be controlled to meet regulatory standards and prevent interference with vehicle electronics and external systems.
What tools proficiency is required? Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, MATLAB/Simulink, and power system analysis tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or PVSyst is required. These tools are used for electrical system design, simulation, energy modelling, and infrastructure planning.
How much experience is required? A minimum of 7–10+ years of electrical engineering experience is required, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or lead role. Proven EV or high-voltage systems experience is essential.
What is the closing date for applications? The closing date for this position is 24 April 2026. Apply well in advance to ensure your application is fully considered.
How to Apply for This Lead Engineer – Electrical Job
Ready to lead Unitrans’ EV electrification programme? Applications close 24 April 2026 — apply now.
👉 Apply for Lead Engineer – Electrical Position
Submit your application quoting reference number UNI260410-5. Include your CV, copies of your Electrical Engineering degree, and proof of Pr.Eng / PE registration.
⚠ Closing date: 24 April 2026 — do not delay.
Explore More Engineering & EV Technology Jobs
Looking for more opportunities in electrical engineering and fleet technology? Browse our latest vacancies below:
👉 Electrical Engineer & EV Jobs in South Africa – Apply Now 👉 Senior Engineering Jobs in Western Cape 2026 👉 Fleet Technology & Automotive Engineering Jobs South Africa 👉 Pr.Eng Professional Engineer Jobs – Apply Now 👉 Permanent Engineering Jobs in Cape Town 2026
Post last updated: 2026 | Keywords: lead engineer electrical jobs Cape Town, EV engineer jobs South Africa 2026, fleet electrification engineer Brackenfell, Unitrans engineering vacancies, professional engineer Pr.Eng jobs Western Cape, high voltage engineer jobs South Africa, electric vehicle engineer jobs Cape Town, battery management system engineer, automotive electrical engineer jobs 2026, permanent engineering jobs Western Cape
Hiring Now | Lead Engineer – Electrical (EV Development) | Brackenfell, Cape Town, Western Cape | Permanent Position Available
Unitrans, one of South Africa’s leading logistics and transport companies, is urgently hiring a Lead Engineer – Electrical (EV Development) at its Head Office in Brackenfell, Cape Town. If you are looking for a senior technical leadership role at the cutting edge of electric vehicle fleet electrification, this is your chance to drive one of the most transformative engineering programmes in South African logistics and build a career-defining legacy in sustainable fleet technology.
⚡ Don’t miss this opportunity — applications close 24 April 2026. Apply today.
Lead Engineer – Electrical Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Lead Engineer – Electrical (EV Development) |
| Reference Number | UNI260410-5 |
| Company | Unitrans |
| Business Unit | HO Technical / Administration |
| Location | Brackenfell, Cape Town, Western Cape |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Contract Type | Permanent – Normal |
| Closing Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Accepting Applications Now |
What Does a Lead Engineer – Electrical Do at Unitrans?
The Lead Engineer Electrical – EV Development serves as the technical authority responsible for driving Unitrans’ transition from a predominantly internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet to a high-efficiency, reliable, and scalable electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. In this role, you will lead the end-to-end electrical engineering lifecycle of EV platforms — including powertrains, energy management systems, and charging infrastructure — while partnering closely with fleet, operations, infrastructure, and technology teams to enable large-scale electrification across the Unitrans logistics network.
This is a strategic, highly technical, senior engineering leadership role that requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration, and 7–10+ years of electrical engineering experience including a proven track record in EV development, high-voltage systems, or large-scale fleet electrification programmes.
Key Responsibilities of a Lead Engineer – Electrical
Strategic EV Fleet Integration
- Develop and execute the technical roadmap for the electrification of logistics assets, defining vehicle specifications, powertrain architectures, and supplier selection criteria that support phased fleet transition targets.
- Conduct technical feasibility assessments and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analyses comparing EV platforms to legacy ICE fleets, ensuring electrification decisions deliver measurable lifecycle cost savings and performance improvements.
- Establish and enforce EV engineering and modification standards, ensuring all vehicle acquisitions and conversions comply with international safety standards (ISO, IEC), local grid codes, and internal governance requirements.
Electrical Systems & Powertrain Design
- Lead the design, integration, and validation of high-voltage (HV) electrical systems including battery packs, battery management systems (BMS), inverters, motor controllers, and auxiliary power systems.
- Develop and refine control strategies and energy management algorithms that optimise vehicle range, battery health, and power efficiency under demanding heavy-duty logistics duty cycles.
- Oversee prototype build, testing, and validation programmes — including thermal management performance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and safety testing — ensuring designs are production-ready and reliable.
Charging Infrastructure & Energy Solutions
- Design and implement depot- and site-specific EV charging infrastructure solutions, incorporating load balancing, redundancy, and scalability to support expanding EV fleets.
- Integrate charging systems with onsite energy solutions and renewable energy sources where feasible, contributing to reductions in peak demand, energy costs, and carbon intensity.
- Liaise with distribution network operators (DNOs) and energy providers to secure power capacity and approvals required for large-scale depot electrification programmes.
Operational Performance & Cost Optimisation
- Ensure EV systems and infrastructure deliver required fleet availability, reliability, and uptime, reducing vehicle downtime and electrical-related failures.
- Drive engineering solutions that reduce total cost of ownership through improved energy efficiency, optimised charging strategies, and extended component and battery life.
- Support operations teams with fault diagnostics, root-cause analysis, and scalable corrective actions for complex high-voltage system issues encountered in the field.
Leadership, Project Delivery & Stakeholder Management
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, fostering a safety-critical, first-time-right engineering culture.
- Act as the primary technical interface with EV OEMs, power electronics suppliers, and infrastructure vendors, ensuring solutions meet Unitrans’ operational, safety, and durability requirements.
- Lead EV engineering projects from concept through deployment, ensuring delivery within agreed timelines and budgets while meeting performance and compliance objectives.
Engineering Governance, Safety & Risk Management
- Ensure all EV systems, charging infrastructure, and electrical modifications comply with applicable safety, grid, and engineering standards, supporting strong audit and regulatory outcomes.
- Identify and mitigate electrical, operational, and safety risks associated with high-voltage systems and large-scale fleet electrification.
- Develop and maintain EV engineering guidelines, specifications, and best practices to standardise electrification solutions across regions and operating environments.
Minimum Requirements – Lead Engineer – Electrical
To be considered for this Lead Engineer position, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Mechatronics, Automotive Electronics) — essential
- Chartered Engineer or Professional Engineer registration (Pr.Eng / PE) — essential
Experience:
- 7–10+ years of experience in electrical engineering — essential
- Minimum 3–5 years in a senior or lead engineering role
- Proven experience in EV development, high-voltage systems, power electronics, or large-scale fleet electrification programmes
- Demonstrated ability to deliver complex electrical systems from design through to operational deployment
Technical Competencies:
- Advanced understanding of power electronics, electric machines, DC motors, and lithium-ion battery systems
- Expertise in high-voltage system safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and thermal management
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, MATLAB/Simulink, and power system analysis tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or PVSyst
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies:
- Strategic Engineering Leadership — ability to translate electrification strategy into scalable engineering solutions
- Problem-Solving & Diagnostic Capability — rapid fault identification and resolution in high-risk HV environments
- Executive & Stakeholder Communication — ability to clearly articulate complex EV roadmaps to non-technical and executive audiences
- Collaboration & Influence — proven ability to work effectively across fleet, operations, infrastructure, and supplier environments
Legal Requirements:
- Valid South African ID Document or valid work authorisation
Core Values We Look For in a Lead Engineer – Electrical
✅ Technical Mastery & Innovation
Driving a large-scale ICE-to-EV fleet transition requires not just knowledge, but genuine engineering leadership and the ability to solve problems that don’t yet have established solutions. We value engineers who push technical boundaries purposefully.
✅ Safety-Critical Mindset
High-voltage systems in heavy-duty logistics environments carry serious risks. We need a Lead Engineer who designs for safety first, enforces compliance rigorously, and builds a safety-critical culture across the engineering team.
✅ Strategic Thinking
This role is not just about building EV systems — it is about shaping Unitrans’ electrification future. We value engineers who understand the commercial, operational, and sustainability dimensions of the decisions they make.
✅ Stakeholder Communication & Influence
Translating complex electrical engineering into clear, compelling narratives for executive, operational, and supplier audiences is as important as the engineering itself. We value leaders who communicate with clarity and confidence at every level.
✅ Delivery & Accountability
EV fleet electrification programmes involve significant capital investment and organisational commitment. We value engineers who take ownership of outcomes, manage projects to completion, and deliver results that hold up in the field.
Career Growth Opportunities in EV Engineering & Fleet Technology
A Lead Engineer – Electrical role at Unitrans is a flagship position in the rapidly growing South African EV and sustainable logistics sector:
- Lead Engineer – Electrical → Principal Engineer / Chief Engineer: EV Systems
- Principal Engineer → Head of Engineering: Electrification
- Head of Engineering → Director: Fleet Technology & Sustainability
- Director → Group Executive: Technical Operations
As EV adoption accelerates across South African logistics, the demand for senior electrical engineers with fleet electrification experience will grow significantly — making this role a strategically important career move.
Frequently Asked Questions – Lead Engineer – Electrical Jobs
Is a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration required? Yes. Chartered Engineer or Pr.Eng / PE registration is listed as an essential requirement. Candidates who are not yet registered as Professional Engineers may not meet the threshold for this senior lead role.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis involve in this context? TCO analysis for fleet electrification involves comparing the full lifecycle costs of EV platforms against legacy ICE vehicles — including acquisition, energy, maintenance, charging infrastructure, battery replacement, and residual value — to determine whether electrification delivers measurable commercial advantage over the vehicle’s operational life.
What is a Battery Management System (BMS)? A BMS is the electronic system that monitors and manages a battery pack’s state of charge, state of health, temperature, and cell balancing to ensure safe, efficient, and long-life battery operation. Deep expertise in BMS design and integration is central to this role.
What is EMC and why does it matter for EV systems? EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) refers to the ability of electrical equipment to operate correctly in its electromagnetic environment without causing interference to other systems. In EV applications, EMC is critical because high-voltage powertrains and charging systems generate significant electromagnetic emissions that must be controlled to meet regulatory standards and prevent interference with vehicle electronics and external systems.
What tools proficiency is required? Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, MATLAB/Simulink, and power system analysis tools such as ETAP, DIgSILENT, or PVSyst is required. These tools are used for electrical system design, simulation, energy modelling, and infrastructure planning.
How much experience is required? A minimum of 7–10+ years of electrical engineering experience is required, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or lead role. Proven EV or high-voltage systems experience is essential.
What is the closing date for applications? The closing date for this position is 24 April 2026. Apply well in advance to ensure your application is fully considered.
How to Apply for This Lead Engineer – Electrical Job
Ready to lead Unitrans’ EV electrification programme? Applications close 24 April 2026 — apply now.
👉 Apply for Lead Engineer – Electrical Position
Submit your application quoting reference number UNI260410-5. Include your CV, copies of your Electrical Engineering degree, and proof of Pr.Eng / PE registration.
⚠ Closing date: 24 April 2026 — do not delay.
Explore More Engineering & EV Technology Jobs
Looking for more opportunities in electrical engineering and fleet technology? Browse our latest vacancies below:
👉 Electrical Engineer & EV Jobs in South Africa – Apply Now 👉 Senior Engineering Jobs in Western Cape 2026 👉 Fleet Technology & Automotive Engineering Jobs South Africa 👉 Pr.Eng Professional Engineer Jobs – Apply Now 👉 Permanent Engineering Jobs in Cape Town 2026
Post last updated: 2026 | Keywords: lead engineer electrical jobs Cape Town, EV engineer jobs South Africa 2026, fleet electrification engineer Brackenfell, Unitrans engineering vacancies, professional engineer Pr.Eng jobs Western Cape, high voltage engineer jobs South Africa, electric vehicle engineer jobs Cape Town, battery management system engineer, automotive electrical engineer jobs 2026, permanent engineering jobs Western Cape
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