SME Control Automation

SUMMARY:
Deliver specialized high-level technical skills to support BevCo's manufacturing operations.

POSITION INFO:

SME - Control Automation

Operations
Design, implement, and maintain automated systems using PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA to improve operational efficiency and productivity.

Job Purpose
Deliver specialized high-level technical skills to support BevCo's manufacturing operations. Includes debugging and troubleshooting automation control systems and software of PLC's, HMI's, Servo Drive Systems, Industrial control Networks, VSD's and instrumentation. Competence in PLC and HMI software development, to make medium-scale modifications and improvements to the control system. Assist in creating drawings, including schematics, P&ID, control panel designs. Develop calibration procedures for process instruments as well as coach understanding of process controls and the troubleshooting thereof.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs
Program & Implementation
Design, program, and install automated systems, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) software, using various industrial control platforms.
Designing and building control panels, updating electrical schematics (P&IDs), and managing hardware procurement for upgrades and new installations.
Support the configuration, troubleshooting, and modification of PLC logic.
Assist in SCADA , Networks and HMI maintenance and modifications.
Maintain program backups and ensure version control of automation software.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Identify and resolve electrical and control system malfunctions that impact manufacturing processes.
Debugging and fixing issues with PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, industrial networks, and instrumentation.

Continuous Improvement and Process Optimisation
Analyze existing processes and implement automation solutions to increase efficiency, productivity, and reliability in a manufacturing environment.
Developing calibration procedures for process instruments and managing their maintenance and verification.
Identifying opportunities to improve equipment and processes, and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.
Collaborate with Process Engineers and Production to improve process control strategies.
Contribute to root cause analysis of recurring automation or instrumentation faults.
Implement changes for energy efficiency, product quality, and operational consistency.
Automation and Instrumentation Support
Programming experience in ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagrams.
Provide technical assistance to internal teams and customers on automated products and systems.
Providing specialist support to manufacturing operations and coaching other technical staff on automation best practices.
Hands-on experience with popular industrial control platforms Siemens (S7, WinCC).
Knowledge of motor controls, VFDs, industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet), and fieldbus technologies.
Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and testing of control systems and instruments.
Ensure optimal operation of sensors, transmitters, analyzers, and control valves.
Troubleshoot and resolve breakdowns or anomalies in real-time.

Compliance and Documentation
Ensure automation solutions comply with company policies, health and safety standards, legal regulations, and cybersecurity requirements.
A strong understanding of electrical safety practices, such as NFPA 70E.
Maintain accurate records of calibrations, loop checks, and software changes.
Adhere to change management procedures and engineering standards.
Ensure SHEQ and GMP compliance of all C&A work done on plant.
Support for Projects and Commissioning
Provide technical input during automation-related project installations or plant upgrades.
Support commissioning of new equipment and software.
Liaise with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and vendors on technical support when necessary.

Qualifications and Experience
Requires N6 in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or Control Systems
Preferred to have National Diploma or BTech in Electrical Engineering (Light Current) or Instrumentation
3-5 years in a Control & Automation Technician or Instrument Technician role in a manufacturing or FMCG environment
Proven hands-on experience with PLCs , SCADA systems and industrial instrumentation
Experience with process troubleshooting, control loop tuning, and automation diagnostics
Exposure to production utilities and bottling/packaging environments advantageous
LC programming and diagnostics
SCADA configuration and fault finding
Field instrumentation calibration and maintenance
Variable Speed Drives (VSD) operation and diagnostics
Industrial communication protocols
Strong understanding of control logic, PID loops, and process control systems
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, and instrumentation loop diagrams
SAP PM/ MM and Shopware familiarity for job feedback and maintenance logging
SHEQ, GMP, and food safety awareness in a regulated manufacturing environment

Key Qualities
Analytics & Problem Solving
Excellent planning and organizational skills
Enquiring and analytical thinking ability
Problem solving ability
Great attention to detail with the ability to prioritize
Communication
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work in teams
Self-Motivated
Ability to manage self with initiative and bias for action
Prepared to work standby and overtime when required
A motivated individual with high levels of resilience and the ability to operate in a high pressure
Physically fit (Physically demanding environment