PLC Technician

Title: PLC Technician

Area: Ermelo

Industry exposure required: Industrial Manufacturing / Automation / Engineering Projects / Plant Expansion / Power & Process Systems

Ref No.: TRG 2486

Salary: Market related TCTC available/negotiable

Start Date: ASAP Neg.

Type: Permanent

Special Instructions: Strong industrial PLC, automation, commissioning, installations, and fault-finding experience essential.

An excellent opportunity exists for a technically strong and hands-on PLC TECHNICIAN to join a large-scale industrial plant expansion and installation project within a high-volume manufacturing environment.

• The successful candidate will be involved in industrial electrical and automation installations, commissioning, fault finding, shutdown support, plant upgrades, refurbishment work, and ongoing process optimisation within a heavy industrial operation.
• This role requires a practical and solutions-driven technician capable of working closely with Electrical, Mechanical, Instrumentation, and Engineering teams during commissioning and operational startup phases.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Install, commission, test, and fault-find PLC and automation systems.
• Assist with industrial plant installations, upgrades, refurbishments, and shutdown work.
• Perform fault-finding on PLC-controlled production and process equipment.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, P&IDs, and control diagrams.
• Assist with MCC installations, motor control systems, VSDs, instrumentation, and control circuits.
• Configure and troubleshoot HMI and SCADA systems.
• Conduct I/O testing, loop checks, and commissioning activities.
• Support breakdown maintenance and plant optimisation activities.
• Assist with electrical panel inspections and modifications.
• Work closely with project engineers, contractors, electricians, and maintenance teams.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards, lockout procedures, and project requirements.
• Provide technical support during startup and production integration phases.
• Maintain accurate commissioning documentation and technical reports.
• Support preventative maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.

PLC / SYSTEMS / EQUIPMENT EXPOSURE ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Siemens PLC Systems (S7 / TIA Portal)
• Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation
• Schneider Electric PLC Systems
• Mitsubishi PLCs
• ABB Drives and Automation
• Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
• Soft Starters
• SCADA Systems
• HMI Interfaces
• Industrial Sensors & Instrumentation
• MCC Panels
• Servo Drives & Motor Control
• Process Control Systems
• Conveyor & Materials Handling Systems
• Boilers & Thermal Plant Systems
• Biomass / Power Generation Systems
• Hydraulic & Pneumatic Control Systems
• Industrial Networking & Communications
• Electrical Reticulation & Distribution Systems

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• N4 / N5 / N6 Electrical qualification, Diploma, or related technical qualification.
• PLC Programming / Automation certification advantageous.
• Trade Tested Electrician highly advantageous.
• Minimum 5+ years industrial PLC and automation experience.
• Strong industrial manufacturing or project installation background essential.
• Experience within manufacturing plants, processing plants, industrial projects, sawmills, board plants, power plants, FMCG, mining, or similar heavy industry advantageous.
• Strong commissioning and fault-finding capability.
• Hands-on electrical and instrumentation experience.
• Computer literate.
• Ability to work overtime, shutdowns, and project-related hours where required.
• Valid drivers licence advantageous.
• Stable employment history with traceable references.
• Local residency or willingness to relocate required.