Automation Technician at Woodlands Dairy – Eastern Cape | FULL_TIME Position
Woodlands Dairy (Pty) (Ltd) · South Africa, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Closing Date: Not specified
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa
Organisation: Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd is recruiting a highly skilled and motivated Automation Technician to join its Engineering team in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This full-time, onsite position offers an opportunity for automation professionals to maintain and improve plant automation systems, support manufacturing operations, manage industrial networks, and participate in capital projects aimed at driving operational excellence and reliability. If you have extensive experience in industrial automation and are ready to take on a role that combines technical expertise with continuous improvement, this opportunity is designed for you.
Overview of the Role
The Automation Technician will be responsible for maintaining automation systems within the dairy manufacturing environment, ensuring equipment reliability, supporting production teams during breakdowns, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. The role involves managing automation assets, performing programming and commissioning tasks, conducting audits, and participating in both routine maintenance and capital projects.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake a variety of technical and administrative tasks to ensure the smooth operation of automation systems:
- Maintain and update the automation asset register to ensure accurate records of all equipment
- Ensure all automation equipment is incorporated into the maintenance management system for effective tracking and planning
- Review and update preventative maintenance schedules and job cards to minimize downtime and extend equipment life
- Perform and verify routine automation system backups to protect critical data and configurations
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing process losses and improving overall efficiency
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting during major equipment breakdowns to restore operations swiftly
- Manage and control automation system changes through formal change control procedures to maintain system integrity
- Maintain software licensing compliance to ensure legal and operational standards are met
- Conduct automation and network audits, and implement corrective actions where necessary
- Lead and participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations to identify and eliminate recurring issues
- Manage automation-related spare parts and inventory to ensure availability and cost control
- Perform PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming, commissioning, and testing activities as required
- Participate in automation and engineering projects as a project leader or team member to support capital investment initiatives
Qualifications and Requirements
Woodlands Dairy is looking for candidates with a strong educational background and hands-on experience in industrial automation:
Educational Background
- National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience in an industrial automation environment
- Experience in manufacturing, FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), food processing, or dairy operations will be advantageous
Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Proficiency in PLC programming and control systems
- Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms for process monitoring and control
- Understanding of Industrial Ethernet and communication protocols used in automation networks
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve technical issues
- Excellent problem-solving ability to address complex automation challenges
About Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd
Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd is a leading dairy manufacturer in South Africa, committed to producing high-quality dairy products while maintaining operational excellence and innovation. The company focuses on leveraging advanced automation and engineering solutions to enhance efficiency, reliability, and product quality. Woodlands Dairy is recognized for its dedication to continuous improvement and investment in skilled professionals who drive technical excellence across its manufacturing operations.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the official Woodlands Dairy recruitment portal. Ensure that your application highlights your relevant experience, technical skills, and educational qualifications to demonstrate your suitability for this Automation Technician position.