Plc & Robotics Automation Technician

University Of Fort Hare; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement fund contribution

Ongoing training and development

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

University Of Fort Hare is seeking a Senior Industrial Automation Technician to provide expert remote support and on-site interventions for industrial automation systems. Based primarily at the client facility in Port Elizabeth, the role involves diagnosing complex issues, guiding field technicians, and implementing system upgrades to sustain uptime and efficiency, across multiple sites.

The position requires extensive PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA

Qualifications

• Degree or technical qualification in automation/engineering.
• Extensive PLC/SCADA/HMI experience.
• Experience in manufacturing environments.
• Ability to troubleshoot remotely and on-site.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Provide expert remote technical support to on-site technicians during equipment failures or maintenance.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for automated machinery.
• Configure, program, and commission new automation equipment and systems.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for process improvement and automation optimization.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety regulations and industry standards.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Remote support

Diagnostics

Preventative maintenance

System upgrades

Education

Automation/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI software

SCADA software

Job description

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Industrial Automation Technician to join their operational team. This role focuses on providing expert remote support and on-site intervention for industrial automation systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime in manufacturing and production environments. You will be responsible for diagnosing complex issues, guiding field technicians through repairs, and implementing system upgrades. While primarily based at our client's facility in Port Elizabeth, you will also engage in remote troubleshooting and support, making you a key asset in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of automated processes across various sites. Your expertise will directly impact productivity and operational excellence.

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Industrial Automation Technician to join their operational team. This role focuses on providing expert remote support and on-site intervention for industrial automation systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime in manufacturing and production environments. You will be responsible for diagnosing complex issues, guiding field technicians through repairs, and implementing system upgrades. While primarily based at our client's facility in Port Elizabeth, you will also engage in remote troubleshooting and support, making you a key asset in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of automated processes across various sites. Your expertise will directly impact productivity and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Provide expert remote technical support to on-site technicians during equipment failures or maintenance.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for automated machinery.
• Configure, program, and commission new automation equipment and systems.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for process improvement and automation optimization.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety regulations and industry standards.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as an Industrial Automation Technician or Engineer, with a strong focus on manufacturing environments.
• Deep knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues both remotely and on-site.
• Familiarity with various industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• A relevant technical qualification or degree in Automation, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art industrial automation technology.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits package.
• Retirement fund contribution.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative work environment with a focus on safety and innovation.