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Control Systems Technician
Location
Richards Bay
Company
RBCT
Salary
Undisclosed
Job Type
Full - time
Closing date
8 May 2026
📋 Job Overview
Richards Bay Coal Terminal is seeking a qualified and experienced Control Systems Technician to join its maintenance and engineering team in Richards Bay. The successful candidate will perform specialised technical duties focused on maintaining the reliability, integrity, safety, and functionality of automated plant systems and equipment.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates with experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and fault-finding within a heavy industrial or plant environment. Applicants should be capable of working independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
🛠️ Job Description
The Control Systems Technician will be responsible for maintaining and supporting automated control systems and associated plant equipment to ensure maximum operational efficiency and safety.
Key Responsibilities
✅ Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on control systems and plant equipment
✅ Perform technical troubleshooting, diagnostics, and fault-finding activities
✅ Support PLC programming and system optimisation activities
✅ Maintain SCADA systems and automation infrastructure
✅ Assist with technical investigations and system improvements
✅ Complete technician competency and compliance-related tasks
✅ Ensure accurate administration and maintenance documentation
✅ Work collaboratively with maintenance teams and operational departments
✅ Adhere to workplace safety procedures and engineering standards
🎓 Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
✔ National Technical Diploma or National Higher Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Engineering or equivalent RPL qualification
✔ Minimum of 2 years’ relevant plant or industrial experience
✔ Valid Code EB driver’s licence
Technical Skills
✔ PLC programming experience on Siemens S7 systems
✔ Knowledge of SCADA systems
✔ Understanding of static and dynamic scales
✔ Knowledge of Siemens Variable Speed Drives
✔ Computer literacy and technical reporting skills
✔ Strong analytical and fault-finding abilities
Behavioural Competencies
✔ Good interpersonal and communication skills
✔ Strong decision-making capabilities
✔ Ability to work independently and within a team
✔ Ability to perform effectively under pressure
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💰 Salary Estimate
Control Systems Technicians in South Africa typically earn between R28,000 and R45,000 per month, depending on qualifications, plant experience, technical expertise, and industry sector. Experienced automation technicians working in mining, port operations, manufacturing, and heavy industrial environments may earn higher salaries, including overtime and standby allowances.
🎤 Interview Tips, Expected Questions & Answers
Interview Tips
1. Understand PLC and SCADA Fundamentals
Employers will expect strong technical knowledge of Siemens S7 PLC systems and SCADA environments.
2. Prepare Practical Fault-Finding Examples
Be ready to explain how you diagnosed and solved equipment or automation failures.
3. Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Industrial environments prioritise safety compliance and risk management.
4. Show Teamwork and Communication Skills
Technicians often work closely with artisans, engineers, operators, and supervisors.
5. Research the Company
Learn about RBCT’s operations, engineering environment, and maintenance standards before attending interviews.
🔑 Common Interview Questions & Example Answers
1. What experience do you have with Siemens S7 PLC systems?
Example Answer:
✅ “I have practical experience troubleshooting and maintaining Siemens S7 PLC systems in an industrial environment. I assisted with diagnostics, programming modifications, and system optimisation to improve plant reliability and minimise downtime.”
2. How do you approach fault-finding on plant equipment?
Example Answer:
✅ “I follow a structured troubleshooting process by identifying symptoms, reviewing system alarms, checking PLC logic, testing components, and verifying corrective actions before returning equipment to operation.”
3. Why is safety important in industrial automation?
Example Answer:
✅ “Safety is essential because automation systems directly affect equipment, production processes, and employee wellbeing. Following procedures helps reduce risks, prevent downtime, and ensure compliance.”
4. Can you work under pressure during breakdowns?
Example Answer:
✅ “Yes. I remain calm during breakdown situations, prioritise critical issues, communicate effectively with the team, and work efficiently to restore operations safely.”
5. Why do you want this Control Systems Technician role?
Example Answer:
✅ “I want to grow my experience within a respected industrial organisation where I can contribute my technical skills while developing further in automation and engineering systems.”
📄 CV Revamp & Job Application Tips
1. Customise Your CV for Automation Roles
Include keywords such as PLC programming, Siemens S7, SCADA systems, fault-finding, industrial automation, and maintenance support.
2. Highlight Technical Experience Clearly
List plant environments, machinery, software systems, and technical responsibilities under each job role.
3. Improve ATS-Friendly Formatting
Use clear headings such as Skills, Experience, Education, and Certifications to improve Applicant Tracking System readability.
4. Include Measurable Achievements
Mention reduced downtime, successful projects, maintenance improvements, or troubleshooting achievements where possible.
5. Keep Your CV Professional and Updated
Ensure contact details, qualifications, licences, and certificates are current and accurate.
6. Prepare Supporting Documents Early
Have certified copies of qualifications, ID, and licences ready before applying.
7. Optimise Your Job Search Strategy
Search for related opportunities using terms such as:
✔ PLC Technician jobs near me
✔ Automation technician vacancies Richards Bay
✔ Engineering technician jobs KwaZulu-Natal
✔ Industrial maintenance jobs South Africa
📧 Interested applicants can contact:
info@jobskwazulu.co.za
🧩Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does a Control Systems Technician do?
A Control Systems Technician maintains automation equipment, PLC systems, SCADA systems, and industrial control infrastructure.
2. Is PLC programming experience necessary?
Yes. Experience with Siemens S7 PLC systems is highly beneficial for this role.
3. What industries employ Control Systems Technicians?
These professionals work in mining, manufacturing, ports, logistics, utilities, and heavy industrial sectors.
4. Is this position suitable for entry-level candidates?
The role requires at least two years of relevant industrial or plant experience.
5. Which qualifications are required?
A National Technical Diploma, National Higher Diploma, or equivalent engineering qualification is required.
6. Are automation jobs in demand in South Africa?
Yes. Industrial automation and control systems careers continue growing across multiple sectors.
📈 Career Path & Growth Opportunities
1. Junior Automation Technician
Entry-level technicians typically assist with PLC maintenance, diagnostics, and routine inspections. Salaries generally range between R18,000 and R28,000 per month depending on industry and experience.
2. Control Systems Technician
Professionals at this level manage industrial control systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance operations. Salaries commonly range from R28,000 to R45,000 per month.
3. Automation Specialist
Automation Specialists focus on advanced programming, system integration, and optimisation projects across industrial operations. Salaries may range between R45,000 and R70,000 per month.
4. Instrumentation Technician
Instrumentation Technicians maintain sensors, process instrumentation, and control devices within industrial plants. Experienced professionals may earn between R35,000 and R60,000 monthly.
5. Control Systems Engineer
Engineers in this field design, implement, and optimise automation systems for large-scale operations. Salaries often range from R55,000 to over R90,000 per month depending on qualifications and sector.
6. Engineering Maintenance Supervisor
Senior professionals may move into leadership and maintenance management roles overseeing technical teams and plant reliability. Salaries can exceed R80,000 per month in large industrial operations.
🌍 Industry Insights & Job Market Overview
South Africa’s industrial automation and engineering sector continues evolving as companies modernise operations through PLC systems, SCADA technology, and advanced maintenance solutions. Industries such as mining, logistics, manufacturing, and port operations increasingly require skilled technicians to maintain reliable automated systems and minimise downtime.
🔍 To find similar jobs, these are terms you can search:
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