Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer

Assign Services (Pty) Ltd - JHB; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A tissue manufacturing company is looking for an experienced Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer in Kempton Park to lead the electrical team, manage maintenance schedules, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 5 years of relevant experience, ideally in manufacturing. Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as a Control and Instrumentation Engineer in manufacturing.
• Experience in pulp and paper manufacturing is an advantage.
• Knowledge of local standards SANS, OSHA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the electrical and instrumentation team.
• Manage and coordinate projects, including maintenance schedules.
• Conduct root cause analysis to prevent breakdowns.

Skills

Problem-solving abilities

Analytical skills

Electrical engineering

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

BEng / BScEng degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechatronic Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley

Mitsubishi PLCs

Job description

Overview

A Tissue manufacturing company in Spartan Kempton Park is seeking a highly capable Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer. This role reports to the Engineering and Maintenance Manager and the incumbent 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the electrical and instrumentation team; oversee electrical and instrumentation, safety systems, maintenance, and repairs in the manufacturing facilities.
• Be passionate about electrical and instrumentation engineering; apply strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with flexibility to respond to changing internal and external business conditions.
• Manage and coordinate projects; take ownership of the plant within scope; drive maintenance schedules, rapid response to breakdowns, and root cause analysis for prevention of recurrence.

Key Performance Areas

• Ensure smooth and efficient maintenance operation of the factory.
• Maintain good maintenance standards to minimise downtime and cost.
• Draw up and maintain maintenance schedules for all equipment in the plant.
• Inspect plant sections to assess demands on the electrical department and develop action plans accordingly.
• Fault find on machines to improve plant efficiency; conduct Root Cause Analysis investigations to reduce breakdown hours.
• Identify process improvements through modifications or replacements and escalate to management.
• Program, design, and modify PLC, DCS, and Industrial Computer network systems; establish and enforce protocol for these systems.
• Attend FATs for E&I and projects; test newly installed machines and equipment against contract specifications.
• Forecast and manage maintenance spending; assist in development, implementation, and administration of departmental budgets.
• Generate reports on generator diesel consumption, electricity usage, etc., as required by management.
• Commission and operate related C&I systems/components; review Electrical Engineering documentation and drawings.
• Engage with E&I and Control consulting engineers and manage them when required.
• Prepare Capex applications for improvement projects.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment in line with 5S.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and procedures.
• Inform plant management of any downtime risks and take remedial action to minimise downtime.
• Negotiate with suppliers to ensure proper specifications and quality of work.
• Occasional work outside of normal hours to support production and technical departments.
• Perform other tasks as directed by the Engineering Manager.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork, good interpersonal skills, and a practical approach to solving engineering problems.
• Commit to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications / Skills and Experience

• Minimum qualification of a BEng / BScEng degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechatronic Engineering.
• At least 5+ years’ experience as a Control and Instrumentation Engineer in manufacturing; experience in pulp and paper manufacturing is an advantage.
• A valid driver’s license and own transport.
• Experience in MCC and specification LV and MV reticulation.
• Knowledge of local standards SANS, OSHA; electrical knowledge of Siemens, Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, and Mitsubishi PLCs is advantageous.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain DCS databases, software, and configuration of Siemens PLCs or similar systems.
• Knowledge of Fieldbus and Industrial Communication protocols (Profibus DP/PA, Profinet, Ethernet/IP) is advantageous.
• Experience in control and instrumentation procurement, installation/construction.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.

Relationship to Others

• E&I Foreman
• Mechanical Foreman
• Production Team Leaders
• Production Manager

Performance Measures

• Asset OEE
• Failure rate trending down for major equipment
• Maintenance program development in place
• Proactive maintenance practices in place and effective
• Root Cause Failure Analysis program in place and effective