Senior Instrumentation Technician - Process Control

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Continuous training & development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Instrumentation Technician for our Stellenbosch facility. You will install, calibrate, and maintain advanced instrumentation and control systems to support process manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

The role requires a trade qualification in Instrumentation (NQF 4/5) and 5+ years of hands-on experience, with strong troubleshooting, DCS/PLC skills, and a sharp safety focus. You will work with engineers and operators to ensure high reliability.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in Instrumentation or related field (NQF 4/5).
• 5+ years of hands-on instrumentation experience in process industries.
• Experience with DCS and PLCs.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and safety-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, and maintain industrial instruments including transmitters and sensors.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot instrumentation and control system issues.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for instrumentation.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and loop diagrams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Perform loop checks, tests, and system commissioning.
• Collaborate with engineers and operators to optimize process control.
• Document maintenance activities and calibrations accurately.
• Train and mentor junior technicians, and respond to urgent maintenance requests.

Skills

Instrumentation trade qualification

5+ years experience

DCS/PLC experience

Calibration proficiency

Troubleshooting skills

Independent work

Safety mindset

Communication skills

Education

Instrumentation trade qualification (NQF 4/5)

Tools

DCS

PLC systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a Senior Instrumentation Technician for their facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This vital role focuses on the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of sophisticated instrumentation and control systems used in process manufacturing. You will be instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurements, contributing directly to product quality and operational efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technician to join a leading company that invests in its people and technology. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in industrial instrumentation and a commitment to maintaining high standards of performance and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, and maintain a wide range of industrial instruments, including transmitters, sensors, control valves, and analyzers.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex instrumentation and control system issues.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for instrumentation.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and instrument loop diagrams.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality procedures.
• Perform loop checks, function tests, and system commissioning.
• Work closely with engineers and operators to optimize process control performance.
• Document all maintenance activities, calibrations, and repairs accurately.
• Train and mentor junior technicians.
• Respond to urgent maintenance requests to minimize process downtime.

Requirements

• Trade qualification in Instrumentation or a related field (e.g., NQF Level 4/5).
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as an Instrumentation Technician in a process industry (e.g., manufacturing, chemical, food & beverage).
• Strong knowledge of various instrumentation principles, technologies, and applications (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, level).
• Proficiency in calibrating and maintaining instruments from leading manufacturers.
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, along with a comprehensive benefits plan including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance bonuses.
• Employees benefit from continuous training and professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment, and the chance to work with advanced process control technologies.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• This role provides excellent career progression within a leading industrial organization.