2X Automation Specialist

Biovac; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vaccine manufacturer in South Africa seeks a dynamic Automation Specialist to join their team. You will manage automation systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, requiring strong technical knowledge and experience in the biotech field. The ideal candidate has a degree in engineering and extensive hands-on experience with PLC systems and project management. Apply by 29 November 2025.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in the vaccine/biotech industry preferred.
• Minimum 3 years management experience in cGMP manufacturing.
• Sound project management skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Engineering Manager in product evolution phases.
• Manage planned and preventative maintenance functions.
• Troubleshoot and implement software for PLC systems.

Skills

Knowledge of Industrial PCs and Soft PLC

Instrumentation and equipment calibration

Fault finding skills

Siemens S7 PLC fault finding

Troubleshooting and implementing software changes

Education

Eng., B.Sc. or BTech degree in relevant engineering

Tools

Siemens WinCC

Wonderware InTouch

Allen Bradley PLC

Job description

BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous 2X Automation Specialist to join a goal-oriented team.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

• Eng., B.Sc. or BTech degree in Electrical/Mechatronic/Electronic Engineering or equivalent.

NECESSARY EXPERIENCE & INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

• 5-10 years’ experience in vaccine / biotech industry or equivalent would be advantageous position.
• Minimum of 3 years management experience in cGMP vaccine/pharmaceutical manufacturing or similar position.
• Sound experience in project management.
• Experience in general business management.
• Sound technical ability and hands on approach on qualification activities

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Core Technical Delivery

• Knowledge of Industrial PC’s and / Soft PLC controlled systems is compulsory.
• Instrumentation and equipment calibration experience is required.
• Strong fault findings skills and problem solving is required.
• Sound knowledge on Siemens S7 PLC fault finding and Basic programming, Siemens WinCC and ProTool, Wonderware InTouch Scada systems, Historian and System Platform.
• Troubleshooting and implementing software changes to Allen Bradley© and Siemens PLC’s
• Software changes using WinCC©
• Implementing, working, and troubleshooting Variable drives
• Provide site support for instrumentation (flow, temperature, pressure), well controls (RTU and PLC), communications network, and electrical equipment (380 VAC/3 phase and below)
• Build RTU, radio, and device configurations for newly installed I&EC equipment
• Backing up of HMI’s, PLC’s and VSD’s etc.
• Responsible for the management of the planned and preventative maintenance function on the site
• Establish world class best practice and implement changes to achieve these in the above-mentioned areas
• Life cycle costing; Implementation of PM strategy
• Utilizing information technology as a design aid for replacement, and maintenance strategies for mechanical and Utilities engineering services
• Interface with the Electronic vehicle control system
• Utilizing information technology as a design aid Access, replacement, and maintenance strategies for Production, Equipment and Electrical engineering services
• Proactively mitigate general business as well as area of responsibility- related risks and find ways to mitigate these.
• Establish world class best practice and implement changes to achieve these in the above-mentioned areas
• Life cycle costing; Implementation of PM strategy
• Utilizing information technology as a design aid for replacement, and maintenance strategies for mechanical and filling formulating and finish production equipment
• Proactively mitigate general business as well as area of responsibility- related risks and find ways to mitigate these.
• Actively liaising with project engineers within the electrical team, as well as project engineers
• Validation updates to electrical modules
• Maintaining components and BOMs assigned to within the electrical team.
• Life cycle costing; Advising on PM strategy and implementation
• Support the Engineering Manager in all phases of evolution and customization of products (including design, qualification, industrialization and engineering support during production).
• Support the Production in the development and/or updating of verification plans, test procedures and test environments related to the evolution and customization of products.
• Responsible for the identification and resolution of issues and risks under the guidance of the Engineering Manager.

Application Deadline: 29 November 2025

If you do not receive a response from us within three weeks of submitting your application, please understand that your application was not successful.

We believe in the magic of diversity within teams and to achieve this, we do apply Employment Equity principles during our selection process where this is necessary to achieve such diversity.

Disclaimer

Dear Applicant, we appreciate your interest in joining our organization. It is imperative for us that you understand how we handle your information. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information you provide. Your personal details will be collected for the sole purpose of the application process and will be used strictly for that purpose. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries or concerns, our Human Capital department is available to provide clarification. We look forward to reviewing your application.’