DCS Technician – Plant Control & Automation

About the role

Sappi is seeking a DCS Technician to minimise plant downtime by diagnosing and resolving complex control system issues. The role focuses on ensuring optimal utilisation, reliability and continuous improvement of system‑to‑system interfaces to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness.

Key responsibilities

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment in line with SHEQ standards.
• Maintain, optimise and support Distributed Control System (DCS) hardware, software, networks and virtual infrastructure.
• Perform advanced fault finding, diagnostics, repairs and commissioning of DCS equipment.
• Investigate complex plant control and automation issues, identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Execute preventative maintenance, plant modifications, system upgrades and manage changes according to MOC procedures.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, system configurations, backups and engineering records.
• Provide technical support, knowledge transfer and on‑the‑job training to engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Drive continuous improvement by researching new technologies and implementing control system enhancements.
• Compile weekly and monthly technical reports and participate in standby duties.

Required profile

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in an Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant industry experience in plant control or automation.
• Strong understanding of SHEQ compliance and Management of Change (MOC) processes.

Required skills

• Distributed Control System (DCS) hardware and software expertise.
• Advanced fault diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Plant automation and control system integration.
• Management of Change (MOC) procedures.
• Technical documentation and configuration management.