Automation/Instrumentation Technician

Kerry Kopp Consulting; Howick; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Kopp Consulting is seeking an Automation/Instrumentation Technician to support automation projects, maintain systems, and drive continuous improvement for operational efficiency.

The role involves leading or collaborating on projects, updating asset registers, and ensuring seamless integration with maintenance systems, along with strong fault-finding and programming skills in PLC/SCADA environments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation.
• Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, food processing, or dairy operations desirable.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Strong inter-departmental interaction to meet internal customer needs.
• Participate in automation and engineering projects as a leader or team member.
• Maintain and update the automation asset register.
• Ensure incorporation of all automation equipment into the maintenance management system.
• Review and update preventative maintenance schedules and job cards.
• Perform routine automation system backups and verify them.
• Provide technical support during major equipment breakdowns.
• Manage and control automation system changes through formal procedures.
• Conduct automation, network audits, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations.
• Manage automation-related spare parts and inventory.
• Perform PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming, commissioning, and testing.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Wonderware

HMI & SCADA platforms

Job description

Job Overview:

As an Automation/Instrumentation Technician, you will support automation and engineering projects, maintain automation systems, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strong inter-departmental interaction to meet internal customer needs.
• Participate in automation and engineering projects as a leader or team member.
• Maintain and update the automation asset register.
• Ensure incorporation of all automation equipment into the maintenance management system.
• Review and update preventative maintenance schedules and job cards.
• Perform routine automation system backups and verify them.
• Provide technical support during major equipment breakdowns.
• Manage and control automation system changes through formal procedures.
• Conduct automation, network audits, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations.
• Manage automation-related spare parts and inventory.
• Perform PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming, commissioning, and testing.

Qualifications and Experience:

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in industrial automation.
• Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, food processing, or dairy operations desirable.
• Expertise in Siemens PLCs, Wonderware, HMI & SCADA platforms.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.