Maintenance Instrument Engineer

Deka Minas (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is seeking a Maintenance Instrument Engineer to ensure the reliable operation and maintenance of all instrumentation and control systems. The role demands a bachelor's degree in relevant fields, 5+ years of experience, and expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining equipment in refinery or heavy industrial settings. Candidates should possess strong technical skills and a commitment to safety and compliance, making this an exciting opportunity to advance in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ to 7+ years of experience in instrumentation maintenance within refinery, petrochemical, oil & gas, or heavy industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of field instrumentation, control valves, transmitters, analyzers.
• Experience with international standards (IEC, ISA, API, ATEX, SIL, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on instrumentation and control systems.
• Troubleshoot faults in field instruments and automation systems.
• Ensure accurate calibration and testing of instruments according to standards.
• Support maintenance teams during critical breakdowns and shutdown activities.

Skills

Strong knowledge of instrumentation and automation systems

Skilled in troubleshooting and calibrating a wide range of field instruments

Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, Control Systems, or related Engineering field

Tools

DCS/PLC systems

CMMS systems

Job description

SUMMARY : POSITION INFO :

Please note this position is based in Saudi Arabia. The client will cover all relocation costs.

The Maintenance Instrument Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of all instrumentation and control systems within the plant. This includes supporting preventive and corrective maintenance activities, optimizing equipment performance, and ensuring full compliance with engineering standards and safety regulations. The role requires strong technical expertise and experience in refinery or heavy industrial environments.

2. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, Control Systems, or related Engineering field.
• 5+ to 7+ years of experience in instrumentation maintenance within refinery, petrochemical, oil & gas, or heavy industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of field instrumentation, control valves, transmitters, analyzers, DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with international standards (IEC, ISA, API, ATEX, SIL, etc.).
• Knowledge of maintenance practices, calibration techniques, and reliability methodologies.

3. Key Responsibilities

Instrumentation Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on instrumentation and control systems.

Troubleshoot faults in field instruments, control valves, online analyzers, and automation systems.

Ensure accurate calibration and testing of instruments according to standards.

Support maintenance teams during critical breakdowns and shutdown activities.

Technical Support & System Optimization

Review instrumentation drawings, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and technical documentation.

Assist with upgrades, modifications, and commissioning of instrumentation systems.

Provide technical guidance to technicians and maintenance staff.

Participate in root‑cause analyses to prevent recurring failures.

Compliance, Safety & Documentation

Ensure instrumentation maintenance complies with HSE, QA/QC, and engineering standards.

Prepare and maintain maintenance records, calibration certificates, and documentation.

Support audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.

Ensure hazardous area equipment is maintained according to certification requirements (Ex/ATEX).

4. Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of instrumentation and automation systems.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and calibrating a wide range of field instruments.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with CMMS systems for work order and asset management.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to reliability.

5. Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DCS/PLC systems from major vendors (e.g., Honeywell, ABB, Siemens, Yokogawa, Emerson).
• Certification in instrumentation or automation engineering.
• Experience in turnaround/shutdown maintenance planning and execution.
• Knowledge of SIL/Functional Safety requirements.