Automation Technician – Manufacturing

About the role

Heineken Beverages is seeking an Automation Technician to join the Maintenance team at its Springs production facility. The role focuses on maintaining and troubleshooting electrical and automation equipment within a fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) bottling environment.

Key responsibilities

• Interpret wiring diagrams and electrical drawings for plant equipment.
• Perform methodical fault finding and maintenance on motors, pumps, control panels and distribution boards.
• Maintain sensor control systems, variable speed drives (VSD), HMIs, switchgear, AC motors, relay logic and temperature controllers.
• Execute basic PLC input/output tasks and support high‑speed bottling machinery.
• Carry out electrical repairs on production machinery while complying with OHS regulations.
• Ensure excellent housekeeping and adherence to safety procedures.
• Participate in mini‑business operating activities and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Required profile

• Matric Trade Certificate – Automation (N63‑5) or equivalent.
• Relevant experience in an FMCG electrical/automation environment, preferably with bottling machinery.
• Familiarity with Siemens S7 PLCs and high‑speed equipment.
• Self‑motivated, able to work with limited supervision and under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, punctuality and willingness to work shifts and overtime.
• Commitment to Heineken values and leadership behaviour.

Required skills

• Reading wiring diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Fault finding and maintenance of electrical motors, pumps and control panels.
• Sensor control, VSD, HMI, switchgear, AC motors, relay logic, temperature controllers.
• Industrial instrumentation and PLC I/O (S7).
• High‑speed bottling machinery maintenance.