We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lookout for an DCS Technician is responsible for minimising and preventing plant downtime by diagnosing and resolving complex control system issues at both inter-system and equipment level. The role ensures the optimal utilisation, reliability, and continuous improvement of system-to-system interfaces, contributing to enhanced plant performance, reliability, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

As an DCS Technician you will be responsible for:

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY (SHEQ)

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by ensuring compliance with SHEQ standards, legal requirements, and company procedures.
• Implement effective safety and housekeeping practices, identify risks, and address non-conformances to ensure a safe and compliant workplace.

PLANT MAINTENANCE

• Maintain, optimise, and support Distributed Control System (DCS) hardware, software, networks, and virtual infrastructure to maximise plant reliability and availability.
• Perform advanced fault finding, diagnostics, repairs, and commissioning of DCS equipment, ensuring minimal plant downtime and optimal system performance.
• Investigate complex plant control and automation issues, identify root causes, and implement effective and sustainable engineering solutions.
• Execute preventative maintenance, plant modifications, system upgrades, and improvements while ensuring compliance with engineering standards and Management of Change (MOC) procedures.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, system configurations, backups, and engineering records to support reliable plant operations.
• Provide technical support, knowledge transfer, and on-the-job training to engineers, technicians, artisans, and maintenance personnel.

PLANT IMPROVEMENT

• Drive continuous improvement by researching new technologies, developing engineering solutions, and implementing control system enhancements to improve plant performance and reliability.
• Lead engineering investigations, prepare project scopes, support design, commissioning, optimisation, and ensure successful implementation of automation and control projects.
• Develop fault-finding, calibration, and optimisation procedures while identifying specialised equipment requirements to enhance maintenance effectiveness.

REPORTING & SUPPORT

• Compile weekly and monthly technical reports, participate in standby duties, and provide specialist support to ensure the reliable operation of critical DCS and automation systems.

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in an Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant industry experience in industrial control and automation systems.
• SAP knowledge will be advantageous.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering will be advantageous.
• Valid Code EB driver's licence.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel .
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.