PLC Technician

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

JOB PURPOSE

PLC Technician specializing in troubleshooting and repairing complex PLC-controlled systems used to control production machinery and equipment. This role involves diagnosing equipment malfunctions, identifying root causes, modifying PLC programs, and performing electrical and electronic repairs to minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency. The PLC Technician will also be responsible for providing technical support to other maintenance personnel.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Install, Maintain, and replace automation systems.
• Troubleshooting on non-functioning components including servos, sensors, VSDs and control components including pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Continuous improvement to plc programs as the business requirements change.
• Create, edit, and test recipes on all automated systems.
• Make backups of plc and HMI program as well as servo drives and VSD parameters and store in a safe place.
• Support process engineering department with scoping and implementation of new projects.
• Support on breakdowns when artisans are challenged on all disciplines.
• Maintain and verify calibration of equipment that are doing quality processes namely Electrical testing of finished products and leak and flow testing of gas products.
• Commissioning of new equipment and training operators.
• Design, develop, and program new PLC systems. Act as programming technical lead when required. Debug / repair equipment. Develop and implement standard engineering practices, as well as provide detailed documentation upon project completion and start-up.
• Work closely with manufacturing to minimize cycle times.
• Develop and implement standard engineering practices, as well as provide detailed documentation upon project completion and start-up.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS REQUIREMENT:

• N6 Trade Tested Qualification or Associate diploma/degree in a technical field with minimum 5 years’ experience in the Automation Field. Completed formal apprenticeship program in industrial electricity with a strong focus on PLC programming or equivalent experience.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in using maintenance management software (CMMS) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Certifications from PLC manufacturers (e.g., Indra works, DELTA, Siemens, Mitsubishi) are highly valued. Including Rockwell Automation Certified Logix Programmer and Siemens Certified Automation Professional.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and use electrical testing equipment (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes) and knowledge of electrical safety codes and regulations.
• Understanding of industrial automation systems, including sensors, actuators, HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Understanding of process instrumentation, including pressure transmitters, flow meters, temperature sensors, and level sensors.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical problems quickly and effectively.