Process Engineering Graduate

Belgotex Floorcoverings (Pty) Ltd.; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading flooring manufacturer in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Process Engineering Technician intern. This role involves maintaining PLC-controlled machinery, supporting energy efficiency initiatives, and ensuring safety compliance. Ideal candidates have a national diploma in engineering or instrumentation and are keen on developing skills in a textile manufacturing environment. This internship offers valuable industry experience with a focus on automation and continuous improvement within a dynamic team.

Benefits

Gain hands-on experience

Mentorship from industry professionals

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric with mathematics or math’s literacy essential.
• National Diploma or Technical Qualification in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Trade Test (Instrumentation Technician / Electrician / Millwright) – advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot PLC-controlled machinery.
• Execute planned preventative maintenance activities.
• Support energy efficiency initiatives through correct drive and motor operation.

Skills

PLC automation and programming

VSDs

Industrial instrumentation

Education

National Diploma in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics

Grade 12 / Matric with mathematics or maths literacy

Tools

PLC systems

Temperature and pressure instrumentation

Job description

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding and enriching internship experience, with a one-of-a kind company?

Are you a dynamic and exceptional individual ready to learn and discover countless opportunities growing with a team of exceptional professionals?

About the Company

Belgotex is Africa’s leading carpet and artificial grass manufacturer. As a soft flooring specialist we design, make, and distribute high-quality broadloom and modular carpets with custom solutions available to the commercial market. Our extensive product portfolio includes luxury and specialist vinyls and artificial grass.

Corporate Values:

Better Together: We believe that people inspire greatness. It takes a team to achieve our world class standards, and we can’t do any of this alone.

We Tread Softly: We are a recognised world leader for sustainability practices, asking less of the planet in all that we do.

Deep Focus: We are on a journey of vertical growth to deliver specialised flooring solutions to Africa and the world.

Curiosity: True innovation starts with a desire to explore and achieve the unimaginable.

Courage: We’re not afraid to ask big questions, even if it means asking more of ourselves.

Purpose of this Role

The Process Engineering Technician is responsible for reliable operation, maintenance, programming, and continuous improvement of process control, automation, and instrumentation systems within a textile manufacturing environment. The role focuses on PLC automation, drives, motors, MCCs, and plant reliability while ensuring compliance with safety standards, statutory requirements, and housekeeping disciplines. Experience in utilities, plant services, millwright work, and machine relocation and commissioning is advantageous due to the integrated electro‑mechanical nature of textile manufacturing operations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & OUTPUTS

PLC Automation & Programming

• Fault-find, maintain, modify, and optimise PLC-controlled machinery and process lines
• Interpret PLC programs, I/O configurations, electrical schematics, and P&IDs
• Perform PLC backups, version control, and controlled program changes
• Support commissioning of new equipment, upgrades, and process improvements
• Interface with HMI (production values for both maintenance and operation) and SCADA systems for diagnostics, and production support

Drives, Motors & MCCs

• Install, configure, and fault-find Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
• Diagnose motors, encoders, sensors, and feedback devices
• Maintain and troubleshoot MCC panels, starters, protection systems, and field cabling
• Support energy efficiency initiatives through correct drive and motor operation

Instrumentation & Process Control

• Install, calibrate, and maintain process instrumentation (temperature, pressure, flow, level, speed)
• Maintain control valves, actuators, transmitters, and pneumatic systems
• Conduct loop checks, commissioning, and functional testing
• Maintain calibration records and ensure process accuracy

Maintenance & Plant Reliability

• Execute planned preventative and predictive maintenance activities
• Attend breakdowns and restore plant operation with minimal downtime
• Perform root-cause analysis on recurring automation and instrumentation failures
• Support reliability improvement and continuous improvement initiatives

Machine Relocation & Commissioning (Advantageous)

• Participate in machine relocation projects including electrical and instrumentation disconnection and reconnection
• Perform I/O verification, loop checks, and safety interlock testing
• Support commissioning, site acceptance testing (SAT), as well as offsite manufacturing factory acceptance tests (FAT) and production handover

Utilities & Plant Services (Advantageous)

• Support automation and instrumentation for boilers, steam systems, compressors, chilled water, HVAC, and LPG systems

Safety, Compliance & Housekeeping

• Comply with Occupational Health & Safety legislation and company procedures
• Adhere to lock-out, tag-out, permit-to-work, and safe isolation practices
• Maintain high housekeeping standards in all E&I work areas
• Ensure documentation, drawings, and records are accurate and up to date

• Grade 12 / Matric with mathematics or math’s literacy essential.
• National Diploma or Technical Qualification in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics
• Trade Test (Instrumentation Technician / Electrician / Millwright) – advantageous
• PLC automation and programming, VSDs, motors, MCCs, and industrial instrumentation.

Advantageous Skills & Experience

• Millwright qualification or strong millwright exposure
• Experience in machine relocation, commissioning, and re-commissioning
• Textile manufacturing process exposure
• Utilities and plant services automation
• Pneumatics and hydraulics experience
• Continuous-process or 24/7 production plant experience

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Process control and automation system availability
• Breakdown response time and quality of resolution
• Preventative maintenance compliance
• Safety, legal, and housekeeping compliance
• Contribution to continuous improvement and plant reliability

Equal Opportunity Statement

This is an equal opportunity vacancy. All suitably qualified South African citizens are encouraged to apply. Appointments will be made in line with the company’s employment equity objectives.