PLCs, SCADA & Instrumentation Technician – Pharmaceuticals

About the role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation in the Pinetown/Durban area, is looking for an experienced PLC, SCADA and Instrumentation Technician to join the engineering team. The role involves standby coverage, breakdown response and support for equipment reliability in a GMP‑regulated environment.

Key responsibilities

• Perform routine checks and preventive maintenance on plant, utilities and process equipment, ensuring compliance with the approved schedule.
• Calibrate critical measuring and control instruments to traceable standards and document results according to GMP data‑integrity requirements.
• Diagnose and repair faults on PLC and SCADA systems (Allen‑Bradley CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View SE/ME) and support incident investigations.
• Participate in the standby roster, respond to after‑hours call‑outs, and hand over unresolved work to the next shift.
• Execute planned maintenance, isolation, lock‑out/tag‑out and work‑order documentation in SAP PM, adhering to permit‑to‑work procedures.
• Provide first‑line technical support and training to operators, including equipment set‑up, start‑up and shut‑down.
• Support commissioning, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and capital projects within the electrical and instrumentation scope.

Required profile

• N6 electrical or instrumentation engineering qualification (or equivalent NQF‑registered diploma) with at least three years of relevant experience in a process or pharmaceutical environment.
• Demonstrated competence in Allen‑Bradley CompactLogix programming using Studio 5000 Logix Designer and Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE/ME.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related electrical and machinery regulations, including isolation, lock‑out/tag‑out and permit‑to‑work.
• Valid wireman’s licence is an advantage.

Required skills

• Allen‑Bradley CompactLogix (Studio 5000) programming
• Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE and ME
• PLC and SCADA fault finding
• Instrumentation calibration and GMP documentation
• SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) work‑order processing
• Electrical installation maintenance
• Refrigeration and HVAC system maintenance
• Interpretation of P&ID and electrical schematics

What we offer

• Competitive salary between R45 000 and R55 000 per month (CTC) plus an annual bonus.
• Opportunity to work in a regulated pharmaceutical environment with exposure to capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.