Job Description

Rand Water Vacancies – Principal Instrument Engineering Assistant

Principal Instrument Engineering Assistant

Company: Rand Water Vacancies

Job Advert Summary

Rand Water is seeking a skilled Principal Instrument Engineering Assistant to service, maintain, overhaul, install, repair, and modify automation and control equipment. The role supports plant reliability, system optimisation, and accurate water quality measurement through effective automation, instrumentation, and control system maintenance.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate)
• National Diploma (N6, T3, or S4) in Electrical Engineering with PLC and Automation specialisation
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a PLC and automation maintenance and improvement environment

Primary Duties

• Tune, optimise, and maintain automated control systems
• Support Instrument Artisans with servicing, repair, maintenance, calibration, configuration, and setup of analytical and industrial instruments
• Perform PLC maintenance, fault finding, and intermediate-level programming
• Optimise and troubleshoot field-to-PLC-to-SCADA signal paths
• Maintain and troubleshoot communication protocols including HART, Profibus, and Ethernet
• Advise and assist artisans and operations teams during maintenance, troubleshooting, and plant failures
• Ensure reliable water quality indication and measurement systems
• Maintain passive control systems, including CCTV and access control systems
• Perform maintenance on SMART alarm systems
• Collaborate with plant operations personnel and other maintenance disciplines
• Provide accurate feedback on plant and system status to relevant stakeholders
• Conduct inspections on automation equipment
• Ensure plant reliability and availability in line with Maintenance Core objectives
• Compile and submit monthly reports
• Perform supervisory duties when required

Knowledge

• Competence in AVEVA SCADA and HMI software
• Proficiency in PLC software, including Unity and TIA Portal
• Knowledge of communication networks such as optical fibre systems, serial communications, industrial Ethernet, RS232, RS485, Profibus, Modbus, and Modbus Plus
• Exposure to passive systems, including CCTV and access control
• Computer literacy
• Valid driver’s licence with the ability to pass the Rand Water K53 test

Skills

• Strong planning, organising, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Effective negotiation, listening, and problem-solving skills
• Systematic approach to fault finding and problem resolution
• Proficiency in interpreting instrument loop drawings
• Ability to read and analyse complex electrical layout drawings and develop scopes of work and specifications

Attitude

• High attention to detail
• Performance-driven mindset
• Strong team player
• Deadline- and results-oriented
• Ability to work effectively under pressure

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