Instrumentation Technician

COFCO International; Standerton; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident Fund

Medical Aid

Job summary

COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd. seeks an experienced Instrumentation Technician to maintain plant instrumentation, automation, control systems and weighing networks at Standerton Oil Mills.

You will calibrate, test and repair devices, support PLCs/SCADA interfaces and contribute to reliability programs. The role requires fault-finding, maintenance planning and coordination with AEI Engineers, with a focus on safe, stable operations in an industrial setting.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ relevant industrial maintenance or FMCG experience.
• Experience with instrumentation calibration, maintenance and fault-finding.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams and network diagrams.
• Working knowledge of low-voltage supply and MCC systems.
• Sound knowledge of industrial instrumentation calibration, repair and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, test and repair industrial instrumentation.
• Maintain weighing systems, load cells, transmitters and process measurement devices.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA/DCS interfaces and industrial networks.
• Document faults, technical findings and corrective actions.
• Complete planned inspections and preventative maintenance activities.
• Support instrumentation projects, plant modifications, commissioning and handovers.

Skills

Fault-finding

Calibration

Safety mindset

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Grade 12

S4 National Diploma or N6 with a Trade Test in Electrical/Instrumentation

Tools

Siemens PCS7

TIA Portal

Profibus

Profinet

Modbus

CMMS

SAP

Job description

COFCO International is a global agri-business with a clear vision, strong values and a positive culture, focused on being a leader in the global grains, oilseeds and sugar supply chains. We provide the food the world needs in a responsible way. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, we are ambitious, with the right structures and culture to meet the world's increasing and changing needs. With 12,000+ people in 35 countries, our global portfolio includes assets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. We trade with over 50 nations, while providing farmers unique direct access to the growing Chinese market.

Company: COFCO International South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Vacancy: Instrumentation Technician

Location: Standerton, South Africa

Department: Maintenance

Job Purpose

The Instrumentation Technician will maintain and improve the reliability and performance of plant instrumentation, automation, control systems, industrial networks and weighing systems at Standerton Oil Mills. The role provides specialist technical support through installation, calibration, preventative maintenance, fault-finding, repair, testing and optimisation to support safe, stable and efficient plant operations.

Key Performance Areas

Instrumentation Maintenance and Measurement Integrity

• Install, maintain, calibrate, test and repair industrial instrumentation.
• Maintain weighing systems, load cells, transmitters and process measurement devices.
• Complete planned calibrations and ensure critical instruments remain within approved specifications.
• Investigate measurement deviations and recurring instrumentation failures.
• Maintain accurate calibration certificates, test results and technical records.

Automation and Control-System Support

• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA/DCS interfaces and industrial networks.
• Support Siemens PCS7, TIA Portal, Profibus, Profinet and Modbus systems where applicable.
• Diagnose automation and control-system faults affecting plant safety, production and reliability.
• Escalate unresolved technical issues to the AEI Engineer or relevant specialist.
• Document faults, technical findings and corrective actions.

Preventative Maintenance and Breakdown Response

• Complete planned inspections and preventative maintenance activities.
• Respond to instrumentation, automation and control-system breakdowns.
• Diagnose faults and restore equipment safely and efficiently.
• Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Support reliability improvements aimed at reducing repeat failures and downtime.

Projects and Technical Documentation

• Support instrumentation projects, plant modifications, commissioning and equipment handovers.
• Assist with project scoping, technical testing and Management of Change requirements.
• Maintain P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, network diagrams and related documentation.
• Identify technical risks, documentation gaps and improvement opportunities.

Safety, Compliance and Contractor Coordination

• Comply with safety procedures, permit requirements, lockout standards and statutory requirements.
• Coordinate instrumentation contractors and service providers.
• Ensure contractor work is completed safely and within the approved scope.
• Complete SAP/CMMS work orders, maintenance records and technical reports accurately and timeously.

Minimum Qualifications And Experience

• Grade 12.
• S4 National Diploma or N6 with a Trade Test in Electrical Engineering Light Current, Instrumentation or a related field.
• 3-5 years’ relevant industrial maintenance or FMCG experience.
• Working knowledge of low-voltage supply and MCC systems.
• Practical experience in instrumentation calibration, maintenance and fault-finding.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams and network diagrams.

Advantageous Requirements

• Experience with Siemens PCS7, TIA Portal, Profibus, Profinet and Modbus.
• Experience with Samson valves and Endress+Hauser instrumentation.
• Experience in soya or sunflower crushing, silos or edible‑oil extraction.
• SAP or CMMS experience.

Knowledge And Experience

• Sound knowledge of industrial instrumentation calibration, repair and maintenance.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, process measurement and control systems.
• Knowledge of Siemens PCS7, TIA Portal and industrial network troubleshooting.
• Sound understanding of weighing systems, load cells, transmitters and process measurement devices.
• Awareness of MCC and low‑voltage electrical systems.
• The ability to interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams and network diagrams.
• Experience in breakdown response, root cause analysis and reliability improvement.
• Knowledge of preventative and reliability-centred maintenance principles.
• Understanding of contractor coordination, permit‑to‑work requirements and lockout procedures.
• Experience in maintaining accurate SAP/CMMS work records, technical reports and audit evidence.

Essential Skills And Behaviours

• Strong fault-finding and technical problem-solving ability.
• Sound understanding of calibration, automation and industrial control systems.
• Strong attention to detail and technical accuracy.
• Safety-first mindset.
• Accountability, integrity and reliability.
• Ability to work effectively under operational pressure.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Plant-based role within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• May be required to work overtime or be on standby.
• Must be able to respond to breakdowns and support operations on-site.

General

• Reports to AEI Engineer.
• Salary and Benefits: Market related salary, Provident Fund and Medical Aid benefits.

CLOSING DATE: 02 SEPTEMBER 2026

COFCO International is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.