Instrumentation Technician

SUMMARY:
To plan and execute both planned and unplanned maintenance on PLCs, instrumentation, and associated control systems. This involves testing, calibrating, installing, repairing, inspecting, and monitoring equipment according to strict quality and safety standards. The role requires a constant commitment to quality, driven by clear focus, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skilful execution.

POSITION INFO:

Equipment Maintenance & Optimization

• Conduct Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) on plant equipment.
• Execute planned daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance as per Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards.
• Attend to unplanned machine and service interruptions.
• Review preventative maintenance schedules and amend where required.
• Complete Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for all breakdowns.
• Install, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot instrumentation equipment and control systems.
• Program and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable speed drives (VSDs), flow meters, and level transmitters.
• Perform backups on control systems.
• Read, understand, and interpret schematics, programming, and technical specifications.
• Refer to manufacturer manuals for the repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment.

Line Productivity & Continuous Improvement

• Improve plant productivity and quality through maintenance intervention.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement projects to reduce line and batch losses.
• Assist in training, mentoring, and coaching production and engineering team members in your field of expertise to achieve optimum machine operation and performance.

Project Implementation

• Support the project team to install and commission new equipment.
• Perform upgrades to older equipment where required.
• Review technical in-house modifications, additions, major repairs, and electrical expertise.
• Liaise with independent contractors regarding instrumentation, control systems, repairs, and installations.

Maintenance Administration

• Complete and submit job cards for planned and unplanned work.
• Follow the authorised process for spares requisitions and update critical/non-critical spares lists.
• Ensure correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is used at all times.
• Ensure ISO and Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) standards are followed in all workshops and work areas.
• Adhere to change management procedures prior to any change in the plant and process.
• Action close-outs of all Non-conformance Reports (NCRs) related to Engineering.
• Assist in risk assessments for all departmental activities.

Experience and Qualifications

• Technical qualification in Instrumentation (Minimum NQF 6 - 7).
• Previous work experience within an FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) environment.
• Previous experience working on high-speed packaging machines (HMI driven).
• Experience in programming PLCs and VSDs.
• Practical knowledge of PLC and SCADA systems, as well as plant automation.
• Prior knowledge of ISO standards.
• Advantageous: AVEVA and Festo training.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent practical implementation of problem-solving techniques.
• Precise workmanship with excellent attention to detail.
• Intermediate level of computer literacy (MS Office).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and cope well under pressure.
• Good internal customer/supplier relations and an effective team player.
• Strong ability to train staff.
• Demonstrates honesty and integrity at all times.