Lead PLC Technician – Automation & Troubleshooting

Defy Appliances; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Defy Appliances is seeking a PLC Technician to troubleshoot and repair complex PLC-controlled production systems. Responsibilities include diagnosing faults, modifying PLC programs, and performing electrical repairs to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

The role demands N6/technical diploma with 5 years in automation, strong electrical skills, and experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and SCADA. On-site work with collaboration across maintenance and process engineering teams will be

Qualifications

• N6 Trade Tested Qualification or Associate diploma/degree in a technical field with minimum 5 years’ experience in the Automation Field.
• Formal apprenticeship in industrial electricity with a strong focus on PLC programming or equivalent experience.
• CMMS and MS Office proficiency; relevant PLC certifications are highly valued.
• Able to read electrical schematics and use testing tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Solid understanding of sensors, HMIs, SCADA, and automation components.

Responsibilities

• Install, Maintain, and replace automation systems.
• Troubleshoot components including servos, sensors, VSDs and control elements.
• Improve PLC programs as requirements change.
• Create, edit, and test recipes for automated systems.
• Back up PLC/HMI programs and servo parameters for safekeeping.
• Support process engineering with new project scoping and implementation.
• Assist on breakdowns when artisans need support across disciplines.
• Verify calibration of equipment for quality testing and gas products.
• Commission new equipment and train operators.
• Design and program new PLC systems; lead programming efforts when required.
• Document engineering practices and project start-up details.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Industrial automation

Schematic reading

SCADA systems

Process instrumentation

Problem solving

Education

N6 Trade Tested Qualification or Associate diploma/degree in a technical field

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Rockwell Automation Certification

Siemens Certification

Job description

Defy Appliances is seeking a PLC Technician to troubleshoot and repair complex PLC-controlled production systems. Responsibilities include diagnosing faults, modifying PLC programs, and performing electrical repairs to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

The role demands N6/technical diploma with 5 years in automation, strong electrical skills, and experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and SCADA. On-site work with collaboration across maintenance and process engineering teams will be