Senior PLC Technician

Network Finance; Lichtenburg; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a technically strong, hands-on Senior PLC Technician to join its automation team. The role covers PLC programming, fault-finding, HMI/SCADA, commissioning and client support across diverse industrial systems.

The ideal candidate will mentor junior technicians, read electrical drawings, and ensure safety and quality in all practices. A robust background in PLC platforms and industrial networking is required for success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in industrial automation, PLCs or automation maintenance.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with Siemens S7 / TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley / Rockwell, Beckhoff, Schneider, Mitsubishi or Omron.
• Experience with HMI and/or SCADA systems.
• Strong electrical fault-finding and control-system diagnostic ability.
• Experience with commissioning and start-up of automated systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical/control drawings.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation, sensors, instrumentation and control systems.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, modify and troubleshoot PLC control systems.
• Perform advanced fault-finding on PLCs, control panels, electrical systems and automated machinery.
• Develop and modify HMI and SCADA applications.
• Assist with the design, installation and integration of industrial automation systems.
• Conduct PLC and automation system commissioning on customer sites.
• Perform FAT, SAT, testing, commissioning and system handover activities.
• Diagnose and resolve communication, instrumentation, control and software-related faults.
• Configure and troubleshoot VSDs, drives, sensors, actuators and control equipment.
• Interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, I/O lists, network layouts and system architectures.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on automated equipment.
• Support system upgrades, modifications, retrofits and optimisation projects.
• Maintain accurate PLC software backups, technical documentation and system records.
• Provide technical support to clients, engineers and junior technicians.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior automation technicians.

Skills

PLC programming

Fault-finding

HMI/SCADA

Electrical control systems

Instrumentation

Industrial automation

Mentoring

Education

Electrical Engineering

Electronics

Mechatronics

Instrumentation

Industrial Automation

Tools

Siemens S7 / TIA Portal

Allen-Bradley / Rockwell

Beckhoff

Schneider

Mitsubishi

Omron

Job description

A leading organisation within the industrial automation and engineering sector is seeking an experienced Senior PLC Technician to join its technical team. This is a hands-on position suited to an experienced automation professional who is confident working with PLC systems, HMI/SCADA, electrical control systems, instrumentation and industrial machinery. The successful candidate will be responsible for PLC programming, system integration, commissioning, fault-finding, maintenance and technical support across a range of industrial automation applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, configure, modify and troubleshoot PLC control systems.
• Perform advanced fault-finding on PLCs, control panels, electrical systems and automated machinery.
• Develop and modify HMI and SCADA applications.
• Assist with the design, installation and integration of industrial automation systems.
• Conduct PLC and automation system commissioning on customer sites.
• Perform FAT, SAT, testing, commissioning and system handover activities.
• Diagnose and resolve communication, instrumentation, control and software-related faults.
• Work with industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus and similar protocols.
• Configure and troubleshoot VSDs, drives, sensors, actuators and control equipment.
• Interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, I/O lists, network layouts and system architectures.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on automated equipment.
• Support system upgrades, modifications, retrofits and optimisation projects.
• Maintain accurate PLC software backups, technical documentation and system records.
• Provide technical support to clients, engineers and junior technicians.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior automation technicians.
• Participate in continuous improvement and root‑cause analysis initiatives.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable SHEQ, electrical and site safety requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma, N6/S4, Trade Certificate or equivalent qualification in:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Mechatronics
  • Instrumentation
  • Industrial Automation
  • or a related field.
• 5+ years' experience in industrial automation, PLCs or automation maintenance.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with one or more major PLC platforms such as:
  • Siemens S7 / TIA Portal
  • Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell
  • Beckhoff
  • Schneider
  • Mitsubishi
  • Omron
• Experience with HMI and/or SCADA systems.
• Strong electrical fault‑finding and control‑system diagnostic ability.
• Experience with commissioning and start‑up of automated systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical/control drawings.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation, sensors, instrumentation and control systems.
• Valid driver's licence.

Advantageous Experience

• Robotics programming and integration.
• VSDs and servo systems.
• Industrial Ethernet and fieldbus networks.
• Pneumatic and hydraulic control systems.
• Experience in manufacturing, mining, processing, FMCG or heavy industry.
• Experience with FAT/SAT and client‑site commissioning.
• Experience leading or mentoring junior technicians.
• Exposure to electrical panel building and control‑panel testing.

Key Competencies

• Advanced technical troubleshooting
• PLC programming and diagnostics
• Electrical and automation fault‑finding
• Commissioning and system integration
• Root‑cause analysis
• Problem‑solving
• Technical documentation
• Client communication
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Safety‑conscious and quality‑driven

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a technically strong, hands‑on Senior PLC Technician who can take ownership of automation problems from diagnosis through to resolution.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable moving between PLC programming, electrical fault‑finding, HMI/SCADA, commissioning and hands‑on technical support, while also providing guidance to less experienced technicians.

If you have strong PLC experience and enjoy solving complex industrial automation problems, this could be an excellent opportunity to take your career to the next level.