Engineering Technician (Systems)

SUMMARY:
Join a leading agro-processing team in Dalton, KZN, as an Engineering Technician – drive innovation and optimize electrical and instrumentation systems in a dynamic plant environment!

POSITION INFO:
Our client, a leader in the agro-processing sector, is seeking an experienced Engineering Technician (Systems) – Electrical & Instrumentation to join their dynamic team in Dalton, KZN. This critical role involves maintaining and optimizing electrical and instrumentation systems across the plant, including the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of variable speed drives (VSDs), soft starters, and power system protection relays. The Engineering Technician will also service and program Siemens PLCs, SCADA, and DCS systems (PCS7), oversee software and hardware management (Simatic Manager, TIA Portal), and ensure that all backup files are up-to-date. Additional responsibilities include supporting fault-finding on turbo alternators, power transformers, and AC/DC motors, maintaining the PLC communications network in collaboration with IT, and keeping functional specification databases and control loop drawings current. If you have a strong technical background and a passion for innovation in a heavy industry environment, this role is an excellent fit.

Education:

• NDip / BTech / BEng Electrical (Heavy Current) / Instrumentation
• Trade Test Electrical / Instrumentation (Advantageous)
• ECSA Registration (Advantageous)

• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience, with at least 3 years in a heavy industry environment
• Expertise in low and medium voltage (up to 11kV) electrical systems
• Proficiency with Siemens automation and process control systems, including PCS7, TIA Portal, and Simatic Manager
• Strong knowledge of VSDs, Soft Starters (Siemens, ABB, WEG), and Siemens Simocodes
• Understanding of control instrumentation codes, calibration, and commissioning
• Familiarity with Control Networks (Profinet/Ethernet/Fiber and Profibus DP)
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot variable speed drives (VSDs), soft starters, and power system protection relays
• Service and program Siemens PLCs, SCADA, and DCS systems (PCS7); manage and maintain Siemens software/hardware (Simatic Manager, TIA Portal, PCS7) and ensure backup files are up-to-date
• Optimize control loops on PLCs and make graphical adjustments on SCADA/DCS systems