Maintenance Specialist (Instrumentation)
Samancor
2026/10/15   Steelpoort

Job Ref #: TFC_8484
Industry: Mining
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Tubatse Ferrochrome is recruiting for an Instrumentation Maintenance Specialist. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining instrumentation, measurement, automation and control equipment to minimise production downtime, maximise plant availability and improve operational safety and efficiency through the effective use of automation technology.
Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To continuously improve the Asset Capability Assurance process in a safe manner, through Root Cause Failure Analysis on high frequency and high-cost breakdowns and analysing maintenance performance.

BUSINESS PROCESSES

INSTRUMENTATION MAINTENANCE AND PLANT RELIABILITY

  • Maintain instrumentation, measurement, control and communication equipment to ensure optimal plant performance.
  • Respond promptly and safely to plant stoppages, instrumentation failures and automation faults.
  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules and strategies to improve equipment reliability.
  • Investigate equipment failures, conduct root cause failure analyses (RCFA) and Pareto analyses, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Monitor plant availability, downtime and equipment performance, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Optimise plant, process and control system performance.

AUTOMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS

  • Troubleshoot, maintain and support PLC hardware, programming and automation systems.
  • Support the integration and operation of SCADA systems.
  • Maintain PLC programme integrity and ensure adequate programme backups.
  • Provide specialist technical support for automation-related faults and system defects.
  • Support the implementation, modification, testing and commissioning of automation projects.
  • Develop software programmes and technical specifications for new projects where required.

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY

  • Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) requirements, procedures and standards.
  • Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation and control measures.
  • Apply the Integrated Management System (IMS) and maintain compliance with applicable maintenance procedures.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement in all maintenance activities.

MAINTENANCE PLANNING AND REPORTING

  • Ensure effective maintenance planning, work prioritisation and resource utilisation.
  • Maintain accurate SAP Plant Maintenance (SAP PM) data and work management processes.
  • Monitor downtime data, plant uptime and maintenance performance indicators.
  • Compile and distribute required maintenance reports, audits and performance analyses.
  • Ensure the availability of critical instrumentation and PLC spares.
  • Provide regular operational and maintenance feedback to the Instrumentation Superintendent.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT

  • Provide specialist technical advice and support to Engineering, Maintenance, Production and other relevant teams.
  • Coach and mentor team members in effective maintenance practices.
  • Develop and present technical training in line with applicable training standards.
  • Participate in maintenance and production meetings and support operational priorities.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and keep abreast of emerging automation technologies.

CUSTOMERS

  • Ensure Customer Satisfaction
  • Develop detailed scope of work for defined scope jobs.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

  • Safety Awareness
  • Innovation
  • Planning, Organising & Control
  • Results Orientation
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Relating & Networking
  • Change Leadership
  • Business Acumen
Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • BEng. /BSc (Eng.)/ BTech Degree or National Diploma in Instrumentation or Similar
  • 4 years’ relevant junior management (C Upper) experience
  • Siemens PSC7, WinCC, Siemens Pro1 and Pro2 experience
  • Profibus Networks experience
  • Driver’s License

ADVANTAGEOUS

  • SAP and COUPA experience
  • Computer literacy (MS Office)
  • Relevant Plant experience
  • A recognised managerial qualification

Demonstrate an understanding of:

  • Industry technologies and innovations.
  • Maintain required tertiary qualifications.
  • Understand PLC automation principles and software.
  • Know PLC programming and systems.
  • Understand SCADA system integration.
  • PLC hardware and wiring
  • AUMA, Bernard and Rotork actuators
  • UPS and power distribution
  • Siemens, Danfoss and Vacon VFDs
  • Intelligent motor starters, SIMOCODE and Allen-Bradley systems
  • Switchgear integration with automation systems

IN MAKING THE FINAL SELECTION, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO ACHIEVING THE SAMANCOR CHROME EMPLOYMENT EQUITY OBJECTIVES

Closing date: 22 October 2026