Senior Industrial Instrument Technician

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and provident fund

Professional development training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Instrument Technician for Upington, Northern Cape. The role centers on installation, calibration, maintenance and fault finding of instrumentation and control systems in a heavy industrial setting.

Read P&IDs, calibrate transmitters and valves, and ensure safety compliance and process optimization. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in mining or chemicals, strong PLC/DCS knowledge, and can mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in instrumentation or electrical engineering.
• 5+ years hands-on experience as an industrial instrument technician.
• Experience with high pressure, high temperature processes and hazardous materials.
• Proficient reading P&IDs and control loop diagrams.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repair of instrumentation and control systems.
• Install, calibrate, maintain, and commission instruments such as transmitters and valves.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and hazardous area classifications.
• Read P&IDs, schematics, loop diagrams, and manuals.
• Maintain documentation of calibration and maintenance activities.
• Support commissioning of new control systems and upgrades.
• Provide guidance to junior technicians and operators.
• Manage spare parts inventory and recommend upgrades.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Industrial instrumentation

Process control theory

Hazardous area instrumentation

Analytical thinking

Independent worker

Education

Trade Qualification in Instrumentation or Electrical Engineering (S4 or equivalent)

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

DCS

HART

Profibus

Fieldbus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the mining and minerals processing industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Industrial Instrument Technician to join their operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is crucial for the precise measurement, control, and automation of complex industrial processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and product quality. You will be responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of a wide range of instrumentation and control systems, including PLCs, DCS, sensors, transmitters, and control valves. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial automation, process control theory, and hazardous area instrumentation, coupled with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Your expertise is vital for maintaining the integrity and performance of our processing facilities in Upington, Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and repair of industrial instrumentation and control systems, including PLCs, DCS, HMI, and SCADA.
• Install, calibrate, maintain, and commission various instruments such as pressure transmitters, flow meters, temperature sensors, level indicators, and control valves.
• Ensure all instrumentation work complies with industry standards, safety regulations, and specific site requirements, including hazardous area classifications.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and routine checks to ensure the accuracy and reliability of instruments.
• Collaborate with process engineers, operators, and electricians to diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all calibration, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Participate in the testing and commissioning of new control systems and instrumentation upgrades.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior technicians and operators.
• Manage spare parts inventory and recommend necessary replacements or upgrades.

Requirements

• Trade Qualification in Instrumentation or Electrical Engineering (S4 or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience as an Industrial Instrument Technician in a heavy industrial environment (mining, chemical, or similar).
• Proven expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining instrumentation for processes involving high pressures, temperatures, and hazardous materials.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and DCS systems.
• Familiarity with various field communication protocols (HART, Profibus, Fieldbus).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting P&IDs and control loop diagrams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous approach to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to work shifts and be available for call-outs as required in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for ongoing professional development and specialized training.
• You will be joining a stable and essential industry with significant opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement.
• Work within a supportive team environment in Upington, Northern Cape, where your technical skills are crucial to operational success and safety.