Instrument Technician

Sappi; Ngodwana; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel opportunities

Generous leave

Career development

Job summary

Sappi is seeking an Instrument Technician to provide technical leadership across instrumentation, automation, and control systems within our pulp and paper operations in Mpumalanga. You will enhance equipment reliability, process stability, and safety compliance while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements include a National Diploma/N6 or Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering and at least 8 years of instrumentation maintenance experience in heavy industry.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ instrumentation maintenance experience in heavy industrial or continuous manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in instrumentation, process control, automation, and fault-finding across DCS/PLC/SCADA/Profibus PA/DP.
• National Diploma / N6 or Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex DCS, PLC, SCADA and instrumentation failures across plant control systems.
• Diagnose fieldbus and network issues; manage calibration/maintenance records and audits.
• Drive RCA, Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to optimize process stability and plant availability.
• Provide technical guidance to artisans, operators and apprentices; support shutdowns and plant optimization projects.

Skills

Instrumentation

Process control

Automation

Industrial networking

Fault-finding

Education

National Diploma / N6 (Instrument Mechanician) or Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

Profibus PA/DP

Job description

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We are on the lookout for an Instrument Technician to provide technical leadership across our instrumentation, automation, and industrial control systems. This role combines technical expertise with operational understanding in pulp and paper manufacturing to drive equipment reliability, process stability, and safety compliance while supporting operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

As an Instrument Technician, you will be responsible for:

Ensure Safety, Health, Environment and Compliance

• Adhere to company safety policies and ensure full compliance with the OHS Act, environmental standards, and process safety regulations.
• Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, safety initiatives, and ensure calibration/maintenance records pass audit requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex DCS, PLC, SCADA, and instrumentation failures across plant control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve fieldbus and network communication issues, including Profibus PA and Profibus DP systems.
• Manage, optimize, and improve process measurement systems and control loops in close collaboration with production teams.
• Participate in shutdown planning, control system backups, configuration changes, and advise management on technical risks and equipment reliability.
• Drive Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize process stability and plant availability.
• Provide technical expertise for plant optimization projects and recommend strategies for equipment upgrades and obsolescence replacement.

Planning and Administration

• Complete maintenance records, equipment history, and calibration certificates accurately and timeously using the IMS system.
• Support maintenance planning, shutdown preparation, and inventory management for spare parts.

Teamwork and technical Support

• Provide technical guidance to artisans, operators, and apprentices while collaborating across electrical, mechanical, and production teams.
• Manage contractor performance, participate in standby duties, and respond to emergency breakdown call-outs as required.

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma / N6 (Instrument Mechanician) or Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years’ instrumentation maintenance experience in a heavy industrial or continuous manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in instrumentation, process control, automation, industrial networking, and advanced fault-finding across DCS, PLC, SCADA, and Profibus PA/DP systems
• Valid driver's license.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi isa leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.