About the Role
Our client is seeking a technically minded and hands-on Junior Automation Technician to join their team. The successful candidate will assist with the development, modification, commissioning and troubleshooting of industrial automation systems within a manufacturing environment.
This role is ideally suited to someone with 2–4 years of practical industrial Siemens PLC programming experience who can take responsibility for defined automation tasks, develop and test PLC/HMI solutions, and work under the guidance of an experienced technical manager.
This role is ideally suited to someone with 2–4 years of practical industrial Siemens PLC programming experience who can take responsibility for defined automation tasks, develop and test PLC/HMI solutions, and work under the guidance of an experienced technical manager.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 2 years' practical industrial PLC programming experience.
- Hands-on experience with Siemens S7-1200 and/or S7-1500 PLCs.
- Practical experience using Siemens TIA Portal.
- Experience programming in LAD/Ladder Logic; SCL/Structured Text would be advantageous.
- Experience with Siemens WinCC HMI systems.
- Working knowledge of Profinet industrial networks.
- Ability to read and interpret industrial electrical schematics.
- Practical industrial fault-finding and troubleshooting experience.
- Experience working with VFDs/inverters, preferably Siemens G120/G120C.
- Basic understanding of digital and analogue I/O, including 24 VDC, 0–10 V and 4–20 mA.
- Experience commissioning or modifying industrial machinery.
- Good written and spoken English.
- Valid driver's licence.
- Willingness to work directly on production equipment when required.
- A relevant technical qualification would be advantageous; however, practical industrial PLC experience is more important.
ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE
Experience in any of the following areas will be beneficial:
- Siemens G120/G120C drive programming and commissioning.
- Siemens Startdrive.
- PID and process control.
- Industrial instrumentation, including temperature, pressure and level sensors.
- Encoders and basic motion control.
- Siemens safety PLCs and machine safety systems.
- SCADA systems.
- OPC UA and industrial communications.
- SQL/database or MES/ERP integration.
- Industrial networking and diagnostics.
- Manufacturing, process plants or continuous production lines.
- CNC or machine automation experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and modify Siemens PLC programs under technical supervision.
- Develop and modify Siemens HMI screens, alarms and operator interfaces.
- Assist with automation projects, machinery upgrades and improvements.
- Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, VFD, instrumentation and control system faults.
- Assist with machine commissioning, testing and validation.
- Develop and maintain PLC/HMI technical documentation.
- Conduct structured testing before submitting changes for technical approval.
- Follow established PLC programming standards and software version-control procedures.
- Assist with improving machine reliability, automation and production efficiency.
- Work closely with maintenance and production teams to identify and resolve automation-related problems.
- Clearly document faults, modifications and solutions.
- Escalate complex or high-risk automation issues to the relevant technical manager.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will be:
- Logical, methodical and a strong problem solver.
- Practical and comfortable working directly with industrial machinery.
- Able to work independently once given a defined task.
- Eager to learn and further develop their PLC programming skills.
- Detail-oriented and disciplined when making changes to production systems.
- Comfortable asking questions and receiving technical guidance.
- Able to communicate effectively with engineering, maintenance and production personnel.
- Safety-conscious, reliable and hands-on.
Important: Candidates whose PLC experience is primarily academic, theoretical, hobbyist, Arduino-based or limited to training courses will not be considered suitable. Preference will be given to candidates with approximately 2–4 years of hands-on industrial Siemens automation experience who can develop and test PLC/HMI solutions and present them for technical review.
SALARY & EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
- Location: Struandale, Gqeberha.
- Working hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility required to work irregular hours when necessary.
- Must be willing to travel between different plant locations in Struandale.
- Office/factory-based position.
- Please note that the position does not include additional benefits such as medical aid or a retirement fund.