Senior Process Control Technician

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Hybrid role

Professional development

Training in control technologies

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Control Technician for our client’s operations in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role covers installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of process instrumentation, PLCs, and SCADA systems to ensure safe, reliable plant operations.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in process control/automation, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to work independently or in a team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in process control, instrumentation, and automation in an industrial setting.
• Strong understanding of PLC, DCS, and SCADA architectures.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical schematics.
• Hands-on experience with calibration tools and field instrumentation.
• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, maintain, and repair process instrumentation and control loops.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, SCADA, and other control systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance on control hardware and software.
• Interpret P&IDs and electrical diagrams for installations.
• Implement control logic changes with engineering teams.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and company policy compliance.
• Document instrumentation and maintenance activities accurately.
• Provide technical support to operators and junior technicians.
• Assist in commissioning of new control systems and equipment.
• Maintain measurement accuracy and reliability for plant operations.

Skills

Process control

Instrumentation

Automation

Troubleshooting

P&ID interpretation

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Instrumentation/Control Systems engineering qualification

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA

DCS

Electrical schematics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Senior Process Control Technician to join their operations team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This critical role focuses on the installation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of complex process control systems, instrumentation, and automation equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial processes, instrumentation principles, and control system technologies. You will play a vital part in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and safety of our client's production and operational facilities. This position requires a hands‑on approach combined with strong analytical skills to maintain and optimize critical plant operations in the Nelspruit area.

Key Responsibilities

• Install , calibrate, maintain, and repair a wide range of process instrumentation, including sensors, transmitters, valves, and control loops.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex issues within process control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems.
• Perform regular preventive maintenance on all control system hardware and software components.
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements and control parameters critical to plant operations.
• Interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control system diagrams to perform installations and repairs.
• Implement and test control system logic modifications and updates in coordination with engineering teams.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate documentation of instrumentation, calibration records, and maintenance activities.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant operators and junior technicians.
• Participate in the commissioning of new control systems and equipment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process control, instrumentation, and automation within an industrial environment.
• Proven expertise in installing, calibrating, and maintaining various types of process instrumentation (e.g., flow, pressure, temperature, level).
• Strong understanding of PLC systems, DCS, and SCADA architecture and functionality.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting P&IDs, electrical schematics, and instrumentation loop diagrams.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving complex instrumentation and control system issues.
• Experience with field calibration equipment and software.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Relevant technical qualification in instrumentation, control systems engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with safety protocols relevant to process industries in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with your experience and expertise.
• This includes comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for professional development and specialized training in the latest control technologies.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility, combining on‑site work with remote support capabilities.
• You will work in a dynamic and technologically advanced environment in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .
• Our client is committed to employee well‑being and offers a supportive team culture.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the company are available.
• Join a respected organization known for its operational excellence and commitment to innovation.