Electrical and Instrument Engineer

Watershed Consulting; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Kempton Park is seeking an experienced Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer to lead the electrical and instrumentation team. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years in a manufacturing environment and will excel in fault finding and problem-solving. Responsibilities include ensuring efficient maintenance operations and managing departmental budgets. This role offers a dynamic environment where teamwork and professional development are valued.

Qualifications

• At least 5+ years’ experience as a Control and Instrumentation Engineer within manufacturing/FMCG.
• A valid driver’s licence & own transport.
• Knowledge of local standards (SANS, OSHA).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the electrical and instrumentation team.
• Ensure smooth and efficient maintenance operation of the factory.
• Conduct fault‑finding and Root Cause Analysis investigations.

Skills

Proactive

Communication

Fault finding

Problem solving

Analytical

Interpersonal

Compliance

Documentation

Education

B Eng / BSc Eng degree in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronic Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell Automation / Allen Bradley

Mitsubishi PLCs

Job description

Position

Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer

Location

Spartan, Kempton Park

Description

Manufactures, markets and sells tissue and hygiene products through Retail and Business to Business channels in South Africa and neighboring countries. Its Head Office and operational factories are in Gauteng, Kempton Park.

We are seeking a highly capable Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer.

Reporting & Leadership

The role reports to the Engineering and Maintenance Manager and will lead and manage the electrical and instrumentation team, responsible for electrical and instrumentation, safety systems, maintenance and repairs of electrical equipment within the manufacturing facilities in line with the company’s overall objectives. The individual will play a role in asset care development plans and take lead on electrical and instrumentation scope of work on projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the electrical and instrumentation team.
• Ensure smooth and efficient maintenance operation of the factory.
• Ensure good maintenance standards to minimise downtime and cost.
• Draw up and maintain maintenance schedules for all equipment.
• Inspect all sections of the plant frequently and assess demands on the electrical department, develop action plans accordingly.
• Conduct fault‑finding on machines and Root Cause Analysis investigations of plant equipment failures to reduce breakdown hours.
• Identify process improvements and propose modifications or replacements.
• Programme, design and modify PLC, DCS and industrial computer network systems, assisting in establishing protocols.
• Attend FATs for E&I and projects.
• Test newly installed machines and equipment to ensure fulfilment of contract specifications.
• Forecast and manage maintenance spending, assist in departmental budgets.
• Generate reports for generator diesel consumption, electricity usage, etc.
• Commission and operate all related C&I systems and components.
• Review and provide input on Electrical Engineering documentation and drawings.
• Engage with E&I and Control consulting engineers and manage them if required.
• Prepare Capex applications for improvement projects.
• Ensure a clean and organised work environment (5S).
• Ensure contractor compliance to company standards and procedures.
• Inform plant management of situations that could lead to downtime and take remedial actions.
• Negotiate with suppliers of equipment and services.
• Work outside normal hours as required (call‑out duty, phone support).
• Perform other tasks as specified by the Engineering Manager.
• Demonstrate teamwork, knowledge sharing, interpersonal skills, practical problem‑solving, and professional development commitment.

Qualifications / Skills and Experience

• Minimum qualification: B Eng / BSc Eng degree in Electrical, Electronics or Mechatronic Engineering.
• At least 5+ years’ experience as a Control and Instrumentation Engineer within manufacturing/FMCG; pulp and paper manufacturing experience an advantage.
• A valid driver’s licence & own transport.
• Experience in MCC and specification LV and MV reticulation.
• Knowledge of local standards (SANS, OSHA) and of Siemens, Rockwell Automation / Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi PLCs.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain DCS database, software and configuration of Siemens PLCs or similar systems.
• Knowledge of Fieldbus and industrial communication protocols such as Profibus DP/PA, Profinet and Ethernet/IP.
• Prior experience in Control and Instrumentation procurement, installation / construction.
• Well‑developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Skillset required: proactive, communication, fault finding, problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal, compliance, documentation, etc.