Specialist Artisan

Overview

Responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and optimization of the flour mill's automation, control, and instrumentation systems. The role ensures the reliable operation of PLCs, sensors, drives, instruments, and process control equipment to support efficient production, product quality, and plant safety.

 

Working closely with production and maintenance teams to minimize downtime, resolve automation and instrumentation faults, implement preventative maintenance programs, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Play a critical role in maintaining the mill's automated processes, ensuring compliance with safety, engineering, and food manufacturing standards while maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance

Responsibilities

Technical Experience Proficiency

• Advanced knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), SCADA systems, Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), industrial networks, and process control systems.
• Experience with industrial automation equipment, instrumentation, and electrical control systems.
• Working knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), with SAP-PGT experience being advantageous.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and control system integration.

Automation & Control Systems

• Install, configure, program, maintain, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial PCs, and associated control systems.
• Commissioning, integration, and modification of automation and control systems.
• Maintain and update control logic, software backups, and system configurations.

Instrumentation Maintenance & Calibration

• Install, maintain, test, and calibrate instrumentation including pressure, temperature, flow, level, weighing, and analytical instruments.
• Ensure instrumentation accuracy, reliability, and compliance with operational and quality standards.
• Maintain calibration records and procedures.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop:
  • Electrical schematics
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Control panel layouts
  • Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Single-line diagrams
• Sound understanding of mechanical systems and their interaction with automation and control equipment.

Maintenance & Repair

• Perform planned preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Conduct emergency repairs to ensure maximum plant uptime and operational efficiency.
• Maintain control panels, drives, motor control centres, and related equipment.

Troubleshooting & Fault Finding

• Diagnose and resolve faults on PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, automated equipment, and robotic systems where applicable.
• Investigate recurring failures and perform root cause analysis.
• Implement sustainable corrective actions to prevent future breakdowns

PLC Programming & Automation

• Proficiency in PLC programming, diagnostics, and troubleshooting using industry-standard programming languages.
• Ability to modify, optimize, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications.
• Experience with control logic development, system backups, and automation upgrades.

System Improvement & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with engineers and operational teams to identify and implement process, automation, and system improvements.
• Recommend upgrades that improve equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and plant performance.
• Participate in modernization and optimization projects.

Leadership & Supervision

• Ability to supervise, coach, and support artisans, including Millwrights, Electricians, and Fitters.
• Capable of building and maintaining a high-performing maintenance team focused on equipment reliability and operational excellence.
• Ability to coordinate contractors and service providers where required.

Energy Management (ReCon)

• Lead and support ReCon Energy Efficiency initiatives.
• Identify, develop, and execute energy-focused improvement projects across the mill.
• Collaborate with various departments to implement energy-saving opportunities and sustainable operational practices.
• Monitor and contribute to energy performance and reduction targets.

Documentation & Reporting

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including electrical schematics, control panel designs, P&IDs, control philosophies, calibration procedures, and maintenance records.
• Maintain accurate equipment histories, backup files, and technical reports.
• Ensure documentation remains current and readily accessible.

Technical Support

• Provide technical support and guidance to production, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Assist operators in the effective use and basic troubleshooting of automated systems.
• Support skills transfer and technical training where required.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

Comprehensive knowledge and application of:

• • Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)
  • Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures
  • Machine guarding requirements
  • Electrical safety standards and safe work practices
  • Permit-to-Work systems and permit issuing
  • Contractor management and supervision
  • Food Safety Management Systems, including:
    • HACCP
    • FSSC 22000
  • Housekeeping, contamination control, and hygiene requirements within a food manufacturing environment
  • Safe working practices in environments containing combustible flour dust and associated explosion risk controls

Qualifications

• Min 5 years experience in FMCG
• National Diploma (N6) or National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation or related field,
• PLC Programming Certification (Siemens, Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Schneider, Omron, Mitsubishi, or equivalent).
• Instrumentation and Process Control qualification or certification.
• SCADA/HMI systems training and certification.
• Variable Speed Drive (VSD) training and certification, 
• SAP PM (Plant Maintenance) or CMMS training,
• Driver's license
• Ability to work standby/shifts/overtime