32 Automation Technician jobs in South Africa

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has an exciting opportunity in our Engineering department. We are looking for talented individuals with relevant skills and experience for a Control and Automation Technician position based in Polokwane.

The Control and Automation Technician is responsible for delivering high-level technical support to CCBSA manufacturing operations in Polokwane. This includes debugging and troubleshooting automation control systems and software such as PLCs, HMIs, Servo Drive Systems, Industrial Control Networks, VSDs, and instrumentation.

The technician must be proficient in PLC and HMI software development, capable of making medium-scale modifications and improvements to control systems. Responsibilities also include creating drawings like schematics, P&ID diagrams, and control panel designs. The role involves developing calibration procedures for process instruments and coaching team members on process controls and troubleshooting techniques.

The ideal candidate should have a strong electrical background, including experience with servo and variable speed drives. The technician will report to the Maintenance Controller C&A in the Packaging Engineering department and will assist in problem solving and asset management to enhance operational performance.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has an exciting opportunity in our Engineering department. We are looking for talented individuals with relevant skills and experience for a Control and Automation Technician position based in Polokwane.

The Control and Automation Technician is responsible for delivering specialized high-level technical skills to support CCBSA manufacturing operations in Polokwane. This includes debugging and troubleshooting automation control systems and software such as PLCs, HMIs, Servo Drive Systems, Industrial Control Networks, VSDs, and instrumentation.

The technician must be proficient in PLC and HMI software development, capable of making medium-scale modifications and improvements to control systems. Responsibilities also include creating drawings like schematics, P&ID, and control panel designs. Additionally, the technician will develop calibration procedures for process instruments and coach others in understanding and troubleshooting process controls.

A strong electrical background, including experience with servo and variable speed drives, is essential. The technician will report to the Maintenance Controller C&A in the Packaging-engineering department and will assist in problem solving and asset management to enhance operational performance.

Role Description :

Responsible for developing and maintaining Industrial Automation Control Systems.

Key responsibilities :

• Maintain all industrial automation control systems in the plant.
• Maintain up-to-date backups for PLCs, SCADA, drives, and computers.
• Maintain Industrial Automation networks.
• Upgrade outdated or discontinued industrial automation systems.
• Perform loop and process optimization in the plants through verification and analysis.
• Provide technical support and advice to plant engineers and managers.
• Lead automation projects and plant improvements to adhere to industry standards and enhance systems.
• Troubleshoot automation control systems and assist with electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and instrumentation troubleshooting.
• Recommend improvements and drive technology migrations and upgrades.
• Implement small to medium system modifications on PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, and drives.
• Serve as Automation Lead on projects to maintain high standards.
• Conduct periodic inspections of automation equipment and safety audits.
• Participate in safety improvement programs.
• Provide standby support for all plants and respond to breakdowns.

Qualifications :

• Grade 12 education.
• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (L / C), preferably in Control Systems (S4).

Personal Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge :

• Minimum 5 years experience in Industrial Automation.
• Deep knowledge of system integration, electrical and instrumentation drawings, P&ID diagrams, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Excellent communication skills, technical report writing.
• Strong background in electronics, electrical circuits, hydraulics, pneumatics, process control, and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, AC/DC drives, SCADA, HMI, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with Allen Bradley, Siemens, AVEVA products.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Windows, and Server environments.
• Attention to detail, interpersonal skills, results-oriented, self-managed, confident, able to work under pressure, honest, and trustworthy.

• Diploma/Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field. or Applicable trade certificate (Electrical, Millwright or Mechatronic).
• PLC programming and robot programming, preferably in the automotive sector.
• Proficiency in various programming languages.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical installation processes.
• Able to read and understand electrical drawings.
• Experience with the following is highly advantageous: Kuka Robot, Beckhoff and Siemens PLCs.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as needed. (abroad, for extended periods i.e. 3 Months)
• Willingness to work overtime as required.

• Perform installations of electrical and automation systems.
• Collaborate closely with the installation team to ensure project success.
• Create and maintain project documentation and reports.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs and robotic systems.
• Conduct fault finding and debugging on automation and robotic systems.
• Assist with mechanical and electrical installations as required.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to junior staff members.
• Integrate various automation equipment.

• Maintain all industrial automation control systems in the plant.
• Maintain up to date backups for PLCs, Scada, drives and computers.
• Maintain Industrial Automation networks.
• Upgrade outdated or discontinued industrial automation systems.
• Perform Loop optimization and process optimization in the plants, through performing verification and analysis.
• Provide technical support and advice to the specific plants engineer and plant manager.
• Lead the automation aspect of plant improvement; and on projects; in the plants, to maintain the latest Industrial Automation standards and to improve the plant automation systems.
• Troubleshooting of Industrial Automations control systems and assisting in troubleshooting of electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics and instrumentation systems on a daily basis.
• Making improvement suggestions and driving technology migration and upgrades in the plants.
• Carry out small/medium scale systems modifications in the plant; on the PLC, Scada, HMI or AC/DC drives and integration thereof.
• Serve as the Automation Lead on projects, regardless of who is managing the projects to maintain the desirable highest standard of Industrial Automation at GMSA.
• Perform periodic plant and departmental inspections on the Automation equipment as well as carry out assigned departmental safety inspections.
• Participate in the departments safety improvements programs.
• Standby duties for all plants and attend to breakdown call-outs in different plants.

• Grade 12.
• National Diploma: Engineering Electrical (L/C) (S4 only) preferably in Control Systems field (essential).

• Minimum 5 years experience in Industrial Automation.
• In depth knowledge of Industrial Automation Systems integration.
• In depth knowledge of Design, analysis, and interpretation of electrical drawings, instrumentation drawings, pneumatic and hydraulic circuit diagrams.
• In depth knowledge of Interpreting P&ID diagrams and modify when necessary.
• In depth knowledge of Troubleshooting and maintenance of Industrial Automation systems using applicable drawings and diagrams.
• Good written and spoken communication skills and particularly an ability to write good technical reports.
• Must have strong background in Basic fundamentals of Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering (L/C) circuits design and analysis, Hydraulic circuits design and troubleshooting, Pneumatic circuits design and troubleshooting, Process Control & Instrumentation, system design and analysis. Must have strong background in Computer maintenance, hardware and software setup, and troubleshooting.
• Must have strong background in PLC programming.
• Must have strong background in AC and DC Drive setup, programming, and integration.
• Must have strong background in Scada applications development.
• Must have strong background in HMI applications development. Must have strong background in Industrial Communication networks troubleshooting Profibus, Ethernet, Fiber Optic, Profi-net, Device-net, Control-net, ASi and other industrial automation communication protocols.
• Must have strong background in Competency on Allan Bradley, Siemens, AVEVA Industrial Automation products.
• Microsoft packages proficiency MS Office, Windows & Server.
• Attention to detail - Accuracy and attention to detail, ensuring high quality professional output.

• Interpersonal skills - Good facilitation, communication, and general interpersonal skills.
• Results orientation - Able to drive initiatives through to completion.
• Self-managing team player -Ability to develop own initiatives and drive implementations in order to improve companies automation systems.
• Courage and Confidence - Ability to face challenges with confidence and bravery, demonstrating personal ownership even in the face of uncertainty.
• Work under pressure -Ability to remain composed in difficult situations and is able to think clearly under pressure.
• Honest and trustworthy - Demonstrate sound work ethics; and deal with all stakeholders in a positive, courteous, and respectful manner (essential).