Instrumentation Engineer

Als; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global laboratory services provider in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Instrumentation Engineer to oversee advanced analytical instrumentation. The role involves ensuring high-quality data output, managing maintenance, and implementing improvements in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have a tertiary qualification in Chemistry or Science and a minimum of 5 years' experience in analytical laboratories, specifically with various analytical instruments. The collaborative role emphasizes strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in analytical laboratories.
• Expertise in ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical operations, maintenance, and performance of analytical instruments.
• Respond to breakdown maintenance and implement preventative measures.
• Schedule and oversee preventative maintenance for all instrumentation.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong organizational abilities

Analytical and troubleshooting capabilities

Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Education

Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Science, or Instrumentation

Tools

ICP-AES

ICP-MS

XRF

Leco

AAS

Job description

Location, Job Title, Department

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Job Title: Instrumentation Engineer

Department: Instrumentation

Business Unit: Geochemistry

Reports to: Operations Manager – Geochemistry, Johannesburg

Company: ALS Chemex South Africa

About ALS

ALS is a global leader in laboratory testing, inspection, and certification services.

About the Role

Our Johannesburg Geochemistry facility is seeking an experienced Instrumentation Engineer to support and optimize the performance of advanced analytical instrumentation used across our laboratory operations. This role is critical to ensuring high-quality data output, maximum instrument uptime, and alignment with global ALS standards and practices.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the technical operations, maintenance, and performance of analytical instruments including ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS, and associated auxiliary equipment.

Respond to breakdown maintenance and implement preventative measures to minimize downtime.

Schedule and oversee preventative maintenance for all instrumentation to optimize performance.

Operate and maintain ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS and other analytical equipment.

Manage spare parts inventory and ensure optimal stock levels.

Conduct assessments on calibration failures and implement continuous improvement corrective actions.

Commission new instruments and decommission outdated systems while ensuring full asset traceability.

Drive technical upgrades and ensure templates, setups, and configurations are aligned with ALS Global standards.

Oversee and implement system improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and performance enhancements.

Participate in production and technical meetings to ensure alignment of operational KPIs.

Support recruitment for the section in consultation with HR.

Provide training, guidance, and technical development to team members.

Conduct annual performance reviews and set development goals.

Manage time and attendance compliance for the section.

Provide regional support for training and technical issues across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ensure adherence to company policies and initiate disciplinary actions when required.

Identify emerging risk areas and alert management.

Recommend improvements to risk mitigation strategies.

Participate in crisis management activities as needed.

Qualifications & Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

High integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Strong organizational abilities with flexibility to adapt.

Sound decision-making, problem-solving, and preventive action skills.

Team player who inspires excellence and respects diverse cultures.

Demonstrates accountability and ownership.

Strong strategic thinking and implementation skills.

Excellent numerical, analytical, and troubleshooting capabilities.

Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.

Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask effectively.

Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Office Suite.

Strong understanding of analytical instrumentation and laboratory operations.

Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Science, or Instrumentation.

Minimum 5 years' experience in analytical laboratories with expertise in ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS.

Experience with fire assay, sample prep, XRF, and wet chemical techniques advantageous.

Knowledge of ISO

Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Willingness to travel to other regions when required.

Additional Information

This job description outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive.

Duties may evolve in response to operational needs, and responsibilities will be reviewed periodically, including during performance evaluations.