TECHNICIAN: AUTOMATION – PASTA WORKSHOP – Namib Mills (Pty) Ltd 32 views

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, develop, program, test, and commission automation systems from scratch.
• Create, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA programs for new projects and existing installations.
• Implement automation solutions aligned with food industry standards, production efficiency, and reliability.
• Perform advanced fault finding, diagnostics, and repairs on PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, instrumentation, and control panels.
• Maintain and troubleshoot PLC hardware, I/O modules, communication cards, and operator interfaces.
• Perform system upgrades, expansions, and migrations with minimal production downtime
• Experience with PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, including programming, configuration, diagnostics, maintenance, and system integration across platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, OMRON, DELTA, Wonderware (AVEVA), and Ignition.
• Design, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial networks, including Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP, Serial communication where applicable.
• Work closely with the IT Department to ensure secure and reliable industrial networks, proper segmentation between IT and OT systems, system backups, redundancy, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Maintain communication reliability between PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VSDs, and other field devices.
• Parameterization, commissioning, maintenance, and fault finding of Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).
• Configure and maintain industrial instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level, etc.).
• Install, calibrate, repair, and maintain control and measurement equipment.
• Ensure instrumentation accuracy in line with food quality and safety requirements.
• Ensure automation systems comply with food manufacturing standards, including: Hygiene and cleanability requirements; Traceability and production data integrity; Process consistency and repeatability.
• Support production systems critical to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, uptime, and product consistency.
• Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on automation systems.
• Provide 24/7 standby and call-out support as required.
• Ensure minimal downtime through rapid troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Maintain accurate documentation, backups, and version control of all automation systems.
• Communicate independently with OEMs, system integrators, and automation vendors.
• Coordinate remote and on-site support to resolve complex automation issues.
• Evaluate new technologies and recommend suitable solutions for the plant.
• Compile, update, and maintain all electrical, electronic, and automation documentation.
• Complete job cards, timesheets, and reports accurately and timeously.
• Adhere to all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and legal requirements.
• Ensure work areas are kept clean, safe, and compliant with food manufacturing standards.
• Assist with on-the-job training and mentoring of assistants where required.

Requirements

• Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) with S3/T4 (NTD – National Technical Diploma) or a recognised equivalent tertiary qualification in Electrical, Electronic, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering.
• Any formal Siemens programming courses completed will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years’ proven experience in industrial automation within a food manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Technical Knowledge and skills: Advanced PLC programming and troubleshooting (Siemens, Rockwell, OMRON, DELTA)
• HMI and SCADA development and fault finding (Wonderware, Ignition)
• Industrial networking and OT/IT integration
• VSD parameterization, commissioning, and maintenance
• Instrumentation and control systems
• Strong fault-finding and root cause analysis skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex automation systems.
• Proven experience implementing automation projects from concept to commissioning.

How to Apply

CVs with full details can be forwarded to: [email protected](not larger than 2MB).

Subject line for applications should be: NMOPSPW150126 – Automation Technician.

Only applications with this subject line will be considered.

REF Code: NMOPSPW150126