Senior Electrical Control Systems Technician

Placements24; Stellenbosch Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle provided

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Control Systems Technician to install, maintain, and repair complex electrical control systems across industrial facilities in Paarl and surrounding Western Cape regions. The role emphasizes PLCs, HMIs, VSDs, and instrumentation with strict adherence to safety standards.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of hands‑on experience, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to work on-site with diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years hands‑on experience in electrical maintenance and control systems in an industrial environment.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing PLC systems, HMIs, and VSDs.
• Strong understanding of electrical theory, control logic, and instrumentation principles.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Experience with industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP) is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with safety standards such as LOTO procedures is essential.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem‑solving skills with a systematic approach.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Install, wire, and commission electrical control panels, PLCs, HMIs, and instrumentation.
• Perform preventative maintenance and routine inspections to identify issues before downtime.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose faults, implementing timely repairs.
• Interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and documentation to guide maintenance.
• Calibrate and test instrumentation for accuracy and reliability.
• Upgrade control systems and assist in integrating new automation technologies.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and company procedures.
• Maintain records of maintenance, repairs, and system modifications.
• Provide technical guidance to junior technicians and site personnel.
• Respond to urgent service calls and provide on-site support in Paarl area.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Industrial automation

Instrumentation

Electrical maintenance

Fault diagnosis

Education

Trade qualification in Electrical/Industrial Automation

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

VSDs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation and process control, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Electrical Control Systems Technician to join their dedicated team in Paarl, Western Cape. This position focuses on the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex electrical control systems, including PLCs, HMI, VSDs, and instrumentation, across various industrial facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding of industrial electrical systems, strong diagnostic capabilities, and a commitment to ensuring operational continuity and safety for our clients. You will be a key contributor, working directly on-site to maintain and enhance the performance of critical automation infrastructure in the Paarl, Western Cape region. This role demands precision, problem-solving acumen, and a proactive approach to system upkeep.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, wire, and commission electrical control panels, PLCs, HMIs, and associated instrumentation.
• Perform preventative maintenance and routine inspections on electrical control systems to identify and address potential issues before they cause downtime.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical and control system faults, implementing timely and effective repairs.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation to guide maintenance and repair activities.
• Calibrate and test instrumentation and control devices to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Upgrade existing control systems and assist in the integration of new automation technologies.
• Ensure all work complies with electrical safety standards, industry regulations, and company procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and system modifications.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior technicians and site personnel.
• Respond to urgent service calls and provide on-site support as needed in the Paarl, Western Cape area.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in electrical maintenance and control systems in an industrial environment.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley), HMIs, and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).
• Strong understanding of electrical theory, control logic, and instrumentation principles.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Experience with industrial networks (e.g., Profibus, Ethernet/IP) is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with safety standards such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures is essential.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem‑solving skills with a systematic approach.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Must possess a valid driver's licence and have a clean driving record for travel within the Paarl, Western Cape region.
• Trade qualification or relevant technical certification in Electrical Engineering or Industrial Automation is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work with advanced industrial automation technologies.
• Company vehicle provided for business‑related travel.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and other employee benefits.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.