Industrial Automation Technician - East London

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development opportunities

Safe and collaborative workEnvironment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Industrial Automation Technician to join our East London manufacturing facility. You will maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance automated production systems, aiming for minimal downtime and peak efficiency. The role requires strong PLC/HMI knowledge, robotics experience, and solid electrical understanding.

You will read schematics, implement preventive maintenance, and collaborate with engineers and operators. East London site.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Industrial Automation Technician or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on automated machinery and control systems.

Skills

PLCs & HMIs

Industrial Robotics

Electrical Wiring

Schematic Reading

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Safety Compliance

Shift Work

Education

Technical qualification or trade certification in automation/electrical/mechanical engineering

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Fanuc/KUKA robotics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Industrial Automation Technician to join their manufacturing facility in East London. This role is crucial for the upkeep, maintenance, and enhancement of our automated production systems. You will be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing automated machinery, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of PLCs, HMI systems, robotics, and general industrial electrical principles. This is a hands‑on position for an individual passionate about automation and maintaining high-performance manufacturing environments in East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on automated machinery and control systems.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic issues affecting production equipment.
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Work with robotic systems, including troubleshooting and basic programming adjustments.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Implement preventative maintenance schedules to ensure equipment reliability.
• Ensure all work complies with company safety standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with engineers and operators to identify areas for automation improvement.
• Maintain detailed logs of maintenance activities, repairs, and parts used.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Industrial Automation Technician or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI systems.
• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc, KUKA) is highly advantageous.
• Solid understanding of electrical systems, motor controls, and industrial wiring.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Good troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Relevant technical qualification or trade certification in automation, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Willingness to work shifts as required by production schedules in East London.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and upskilling in automation technologies.
• Stable employment within a growing industry.
• A safe and collaborative work environment.