Senior Installation & Commissioning Technician

Innovation Advance Group; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovation Advance is seeking a Senior Installation & Commissioning Technician to join our Durban team. The role is site-based, requiring hands-on leadership on complex fire and security systems across multiple client environments.

You will oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of panels, alarms, access control, CCTV and life-safety integrations, while maintaining high workmanship and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Valid SAQCC Fire registration (Gas Suppression & Fire Detection).
• 5+ years hands-on fire detection installation & commissioning experience, with at least 2 years at senior level.
• Proven capability across at least three of the five core disciplines (fire detection, gas suppression, access control, CCTV, voice evacuation).
• PSIRA registration (Grade C or higher preferred).

Responsibilities

• Installation & Project Execution: lead site installations, interpret drawings, set out devices, terminate, label and test.
• Commissioning & Programming: configure and commission panels, suppression, access control, CCTV and voice systems with full testing and documentation.
• Service, Maintenance & Call-Out: diagnose faults and respond to 24/7 call-outs within SLAs.
• Quality, Compliance & Safety: adhere to SANS standards, maintain SAQCC and PSIRA registrations and ensure safe sites.
• Leadership & Client Interaction: mentor junior technicians, liaise with clients and consultants, manage variations.

Skills

Fire detection

Gas suppression

Access control

CCTV

Voice evacuation

IP networking

Team leadership

Tools

Gallagher

Lenel

VMS platforms

Notifier

Ziton

Advanced

Honeywell

Job description

Senior Installation & Commissioning Technician

Innovation Advance is proud to be recruiting for one of South Africa’s leading fire and security systems integrators. This well-established company delivers high‑integrity, standards‑compliant life‑safety solutions across commercial, industrial, financial and high‑risk environments.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Installation & Commissioning Technician to join their Durban branch — a hands‑on technical leader who thrives on complex systems, live sites and delivering work that protects people and property.

This is a senior field role for a technician who takes pride in neat workmanship, precise commissioning and professional client interaction.

About the Opportunity

As the Senior Technician, you will be the technical anchor for our Client's Durban operations. Minimum Requirements

This role is ideal for a seasoned fire‑detection specialist who enjoys being on the tools, solving problems, and ensuring systems are commissioned right first time.

Technical Scope

• You will work across our Client's full integration portfolio, including:
• Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
• Conventional, addressable and networked panels; aspirating detection; MCPs; sounder/strobes; cause‑and‑effect; and integration with HVAC, lifts, access control and suppression.
• Clean-Agent Gas Suppression
• Detection, control, actuation, cylinder interfaces, room integrity awareness and commissioning in line with SANS 14520 / SANS 306.
• Electronic Access Control
• Gallagher, Lenel, controllers, readers, locks, interlocks, boom gates, turnstiles and system integration.
• CCTV & Video Management
• IP cameras, VMS platforms, networking fundamentals and viewing stations.
• Voice Evacuation & Life‑Safety Communications
• Voice alarm systems compliant with industry standards, including fire alarm interfaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Installation & Project Execution
• Lead site installations, interpret drawings, identify clashes, set out devices, terminate, label, test and ensure neat, compliant workmanship.
• Commissioning & Programming
• Configure and commission addressable panels, suppression systems, access control, CCTV and voice evacuation systems — including full SANS‑compliant testing and documentation.
• Service, Maintenance & Call-Out
• Diagnose complex faults, support planned maintenance and respond to 24‑hour call-outs within contracted SLAs.
• Quality, Compliance & Safety
• Work strictly to SANS standards, maintain SAQCC and PSIRA registrations, complete documentation accurately and uphold safety on every site.
• Leadership & Client Interaction
• Mentor junior technicians, liaise with clients and consultants, support surveys and variations, and act as the senior technical representative for the Durban branch.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered, candidates must have:

• Valid SAQCC Fire registration (Gas Suppression & Fire Detection. Installer minimum; Commissioner / Serviceman preferred).
• Minimum 5 years’ hands‑on fire detection installation & commissioning experience, with at least 2 years at senior level.
• Proven capability across at least three of the five core disciplines (fire detection, gas suppression, access control, CCTV, voice evacuation).
• PSIRA registration (Grade C or higher preferred).
• Valid Code B driver’s licence and ability to travel across KZN.
• Strong fault‑finding, panel programming and SANS standards knowledge.
• Ability to work in plant rooms, ceiling voids, rooftops, data halls and industrial environments.

Preferred / Advantageous Skills

• Certifications on major platforms (Notifier, Ziton, Advanced, Honeywell, Gallagher, Lenel, VMS brands).
• Experience in data centres, financial institutions, industrial plants or healthcare.
• Practical IP networking competence (VLANs, PoE, addressing).
• Supervisory experience running small installation teams.

Working Environment

This is a site-based role across greater Durban, Pinetown, Umhlanga, Pietermaritzburg and the wider KZN region. Participation in the branch standby / call-out roster is required. After-hours work may be necessary for commissioning windows or emergency attendance.

Performance Expectations

• Systems commissioned right first time, with complete documentation.
• SLA-compliant call-out response and restoration.
• Zero serious safety incidents.
• Current SAQCC, PSIRA and licence registrations.
• High-quality workmanship and effective mentorship.
• Accurate job cards, stock control and as-built information.

Why This Role Matters

The Company operates in environments where life‑safety systems cannot fail. As the Senior Technician, your expertise directly contributes to protecting people, property and critical infrastructure.