Instrumentation Technician - Process Control

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Overtime opportunities

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Instrumentation Technician for our client’s chemical processing facility in Klerksdorp, North West. The role focuses on installation, calibration, maintenance and repair of instrumentation and control systems to ensure process safety and product quality.

You will read P&IDs, work with PLCs and DCS, perform routine calibration, troubleshoot faults, and support pre-commissioning for new equipment.

Qualifications

• Diploma or tertiary qualification in Instrumentation or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in industrial instrumentation.
• Experience with PLC/DCS and reading P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, maintain, and repair process instrumentation (pressure, temp, flow, level).
• Troubleshoot faults using diagnostic tools and software.
• Perform routine calibration and functional checks for accuracy.
• Work with PLCs and DCS for configuration and diagnostics.
• Read P&IDs and electrical schematics and manuals.
• Ensure safety compliance with plant procedures and regulations.
• Collaborate with engineers/operators to optimise performance.
• Maintain detailed maintenance and calibration records.
• Support commissioning activities for new equipment and modifications.
• Respond to urgent maintenance calls to minimise downtime.

Skills

Process instrumentation

PLC/DCS experience

P&ID reading

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Education

National Diploma in Instrumentation

Tools

Calibration equipment

Diagnostic tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical processing plant, requires an experienced Instrumentation Technician for their facility in **Klerksdorp, North West**. This role is critical for the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of sophisticated instrumentation and control systems that ensure the precise operation of our client's process equipment. You will be responsible for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of sensors, transmitters, control valves, and associated systems, directly impacting product quality and operational safety. This hands-on position demands a strong understanding of process control theory, electronic and pneumatic systems, and a commitment to upholding stringent safety and quality standards within a demanding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, maintain, and repair a wide range of process instrumentation, including pressure, temperature, flow, and level sensors and transmitters.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose faults in instrumentation and control systems, utilizing diagnostic tools and software.
• Perform routine calibration and functional checks on critical instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Work with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for system configuration and diagnostics.
• Read and interpret P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), electrical schematics, and technical manuals.
• Ensure compliance with all plant safety procedures, regulations, and best practices, especially when working with hazardous materials or high-pressure systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to optimize instrument performance and address operational issues.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance, calibration, and repair activities.
• Participate in pre-commissioning and commissioning activities for new equipment and control system modifications.
• Respond to urgent maintenance calls to minimize process disruptions.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification or National Diploma in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience as an Instrumentation Technician in an industrial process environment (e.g., chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing).
• In-depth knowledge of various types of process instruments and their applications.
• Proficiency in calibrating instruments using standard calibrators and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with PLC/DCS systems and their interaction with instrumentation.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent understanding of process control principles and loop tuning.
• Knowledge of relevant safety standards (e.g., ATEX, IECEx if applicable).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in **Klerksdorp**.
• Valid driver's license is beneficial.

Benefits

• Annual salary of R , commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work with advanced process control technology in the **North West**.
• Exposure to diverse instrumentation and control systems.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Performance bonuses and potential for overtime.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A secure and challenging work environment.