Maintenance Technician (Industrial Automation)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Maintenance Technician specializing in Industrial Automation in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will diagnose, repair, and preventively maintain automated production equipment to ensure high uptime and safety.

You will work with PLCs, HMIs, and VSDs, reading schematics and collaborating with operations to minimize downtime and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic food & beverage manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 4+ years hands-on experience as a Maintenance Technician in industrial automation.
• National Diploma or equivalent with Trade Test certification.
• Proficient with PLCs, HMIs, and VSDs.
• Ability to read electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventative maintenance on automated production machinery.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, and electronic faults in automation systems.
• Install, commission, and test new automated equipment and control systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Respond promptly to breakdowns to minimize downtime.
• Maintain records of maintenance activities and parts inventory.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
• Collaborate with production teams to schedule maintenance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in training junior technicians or operators.

Skills

PLC systems

HMI interfaces

VSDs

Troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Shift work

Education

National Diploma in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics

Trade Test certification

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the food and beverage manufacturing industry located in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking a skilled and dedicated Maintenance Technician specializing in Industrial Automation. This crucial role focuses on ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of automated production machinery and systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for the diagnosis, repair, and preventative maintenance of complex electromechanical and automated equipment. This position offers an excellent opportunity to apply your technical expertise within a dynamic production environment and contribute to operational excellence. We are looking for a proactive individual who can troubleshoot efficiently and maintain a safe working environment. You will be a key member of the operations team, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventative maintenance on all automated production machinery and equipment.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, and electronic faults in automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Install, commission, and test new automated equipment and control systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and troubleshoot issues to minimize production downtime.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and parts inventory.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are performed in compliance with safety regulations and company procedures.
• Collaborate with production teams to schedule maintenance activities and address equipment concerns.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Assist in the training of junior technicians or operators on basic equipment maintenance.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field; Trade Test certification is essential.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience as a Maintenance Technician, with a strong focus on industrial automation.
• Proven experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).
• Proficiency in reading and understanding electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of safety standards and procedures relevant to industrial maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a production environment.
• Good communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness to work shifts, overtime, and be part of an on-call rotation as required.
• Experience with specific automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley) is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage with overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid scheme and retirement fund.
• Annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Opportunities for specialized training and upskilling in automation technologies.
• Paid annual leave and access to company facilities.
• Stable employment within a growing industry.