Instrumentation Technician - Chemical Plant

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Training opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, invites applications for an Instrumentation Technician to maintain and calibrate process control instruments in a chemical plant environment. You will work with DCS/PLC systems, read P&IDs, and ensure safety compliance while supporting process engineers and operators.

The role requires a trade qualification in Instrumentation Technology and at least four years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in Instrumentation Technology or related field.
• At least 4 years’ experience as an Instrumentation Technician in process manufacturing.
• Ability to read P&IDs and technical drawings.
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems preferred.
• Strong safety and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, and maintain process control instruments (pressure transmitters, temp sensors, flow meters, level indicators, control valves).
• Troubleshoot instrument malfunctions and diagnose issues; identify root causes and repair.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Work with DCS/PLC systems for instrument configuration and diagnostics.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, standards, and plant procedures.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Conduct loop checks and functional testing of instrumentation and control systems.
• Document all maintenance, calibration, and repair activities accurately.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to optimize instrument performance.

Skills

Instrumentation theory

DCS/PLC familiarity

P&ID reading

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Trade qualification in Instrumentation Technology

Tools

DCS

PLC systems

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a skilled Instrumentation Technician to join their operations in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This critical role involves the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of process control instruments and systems within a chemical plant environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of instrumentation principles, safety protocols, and troubleshooting techniques applicable to the chemical industry. You will play a vital part in ensuring the accurate measurement and control of process variables, contributing to operational efficiency, product quality, and plant safety. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a challenging industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, and maintain a variety of process control instruments, including pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, flow meters, level indicators, and control valves.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose instrument malfunctions and system issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective repair solutions.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on instrumentation to ensure accuracy, reliability, and optimal performance.
• Work with distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for instrument configuration and diagnostics.
• Ensure all instrumentation work complies with safety regulations, industry standards, and plant procedures.
• Read and interpret P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), loop diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Perform loop checks and functional testing of instrumentation and control systems.
• Document all maintenance, calibration, and repair activities accurately.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to optimize instrument performance and resolve operational issues.

Requirements

• Relevant trade qualification in Instrumentation Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as an Instrumentation Technician, preferably in a chemical, petrochemical, or process manufacturing plant.
• Strong understanding of industrial instrumentation principles and technologies.
• Proficiency in calibrating and maintaining various types of field instruments and control valves.
• Experience with DCS and/or PLC systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and other technical drawings.
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Strong commitment to safety procedures and practices, including working with hazardous materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in **Vereeniging**.
• Good communication skills to effectively report on findings and actions.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R , based on qualifications and experience.
• Performance-based bonuses and opportunities for overtime.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Ongoing training in advanced instrumentation and control technologies.
• A stable and safe working environment within a reputable company.
• Opportunities for career progression within the plant operations team.
• Work on critical process control systems in a key industrial sector.