Electrical Technician, Automation

One of a few international companies offering overhead electrical infrastructure products to Electrical Utilities in Africa and renowned international clients in Europe and the USA. For over 40 years, and with emphasis on innovation and quality, they have been designing, planning, manufacturing, managing and executing complex Overhead Line / Overhead Traction Equipment supply projects - all to the highest international quality standards - from their manufacturing facility boasting efficient in-house processes and equipped with technologically-driven equipment including silicone rubber injection moulding, gravity cast aluminium and ductile iron foundries, helical wire form production plant, fibreglass reinforced polymer core pultrusion plant, as well as state-of-the-art tool and die development and manufacturing.

Purpose: Manage electrical control and automation systems.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (Low Current) or equivalent. 2+ years of Electrical Engineering (L.C. / Automation) experience in a manufacturing environment.

**Position details**:
Type: Permanent
Reports to: Engineering Manager.
Primary purpose: Manage electrical control and automation systems.

Occupational Tasks:

- PLC programming using ladder logic on PLCs such as Delta, Mitsubishi and Omron (Programming including high speed pulse inputs and outputs, digital inputs and outputs, analogue inputs and outputs, master slave communication using Ethernet or Modbus.
- HMI programming of Delta HMIs using visual basics and macros.
- Sizing of PLCs and HMIs according to memory capacity for inhouse built machines.
- Debugging existing PLC and HMI programs.
- Use of industrial protocols such as Modbus, RS485, RS232, GSM and Ethernet to communicate with devices such as VFDs, HMIs, Temperature controllers and PLCs.
- Delta Diaview SCADA programming and development.
- Database development (using SQL server) and ODBCs.
- Using various debugging software on process instrumentation.
- Creating calibration procedures.
- Calibrate Loadcell readouts, temperature controllers, ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, encoders, and mass flow meters.
- Setting up various VFDs such as Yaskawa, Delta, Bonfiglioli.
- Tuning PID temperature and flow rate control loops.
- Fault finding on machinery.
- Use of signal injection meters to test control systems.
- Setting up Elster meters to record power consumption of incomers or machinery.
- Design and wire electrical panels.
- Ordering of PLC and HMI based devices.
- Creating operation manuals and work instructions for in house-built machines.
- Backup PLC and HMI programs, Machine manuals, I/O documentation, Circuit diagrams, and datasheets of plant equipment on server.
- Use visual basics, active x controls and registries to create Microsoft excel dashboards and user forms.
- Using Microsoft outlook to save test results from machines to server.
- Understanding of Gateways, Firewalls, porting addresses, subnet mask and smtp when linking up devices to the Local area network.
- Basic fitting and use of tools.

Work systems:

- Project Management - Intermediate to advanced Level
- Microsoft Office: Projects, PowerPoint, Word and Excel
- Intermediate to advanced level

**Location (country, city)**:Pietermaritzburg, KZN

**Job Qualification & Experience**:
Minimum Qualifications:
Grade 12 or equivalent
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (Low Current) or equivalent

Skills and Abilities:
Problem-solving ability
Fault finding skills
Numerical skills
Innovation
Project management
Decision-making

Knowledge:
Knowledge of Electrical engineering principles, regulations, processes, systems, procedures and practices
Thorough understanding of PLC control systems
Good understanding of plant processes and procedures
Knowledge of electrical automation systems

Professional Ethics:
Integrity
Independence
Accountability

Experience Required:
2 years’ Electrical Engineering (L.C.) - Automation experience in a manufacturing environment

**Company Description**:
One of a few international companies offering overhead electrical infrastructure products to Electrical Utilities in Africa and renowned international clients in Europe and the USA. For over 40 years, and with emphasis on innovation and quality, they have been designing, planning, manufacturing, managing and executing complex Overhead Line / Overhead Traction Equipment supply projects - all to the highest international quality standards - from their manufacturing facility boasting efficient in-house processes and equipped with technologically-driven equipment including silicone rubber injection moulding, gravity cast aluminium and ductile iron foundries, helical wire form production plant, fibreglass reinforced polymer core pultrusion plant, as well as state-of-the-art tool and die development and manufacturing.