Senior Electrical Technician
Company
Sappi
Location
Durban
Posted
13 days ago
Via
via LinkedIn
Apply On
Job Description
Job description:
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 experienced Senior Electrical Technician to provide expert high-level technical support to the Electrical and related departments, specifically relating to plant optimization, plant automation, electrical reticulation, and fault diagnosis to maximize the plant's availability.
As a Senior Electrical Technician, you will be responsible for:
• Administer and ensure compliance with accepted standards
• Responsible for the maintenance of all PLC and SCADA Installations and Profibus Networks. Perform system backups. Implementation and commissioning of electrical and PLC system-related projects
• Ensures that all modifications/projects conform fully to Mill Change Management Procedures, Mill Standard Specifications, Mill Safety Standards, and the OHS Act
• Optimisation of plant performance and control characteristics to maintain high plant availability
• Review equipment in line with technological advancement within the industry on an ongoing basis
• Explore quality products at reduced costs in the event of replacement
• Fault-finding malfunctions of field devices and system components with the aid of electrical drawings and test equipment
• Proficiency in specialist areas such as BQS, BCU, PLCs, VFD’s, HV and LV reticulation and Protection Equipment, Power Generator, and Auxiliary Equipment
• Provides on-going training to personnel to perform specific tasks on new equipment, completed projects, and maintenance of equipment. Operator training (limitations due to system interlocks/sequences explained).
• Manages varied multi-disciplinary plant modifications/project work from concept to commissioning and closeout
What are we looking for?
• National Diploma or B Tech in Electrical Engineering
• 5 years of industrial experience in PLC / Profibus knowledge and experience in heavy industrial electrical equipment and systems
• Project Management Experience
• Supervisory experience
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 (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits
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 experienced Senior Electrical Technician to provide expert high-level technical support to the Electrical and related departments, specifically relating to plant optimization, plant automation, electrical reticulation, and fault diagnosis to maximize the plant's availability.
As a Senior Electrical Technician, you will be responsible for:
• Administer and ensure compliance with accepted standards
• Responsible for the maintenance of all PLC and SCADA Installations and Profibus Networks. Perform system backups. Implementation and commissioning of electrical and PLC system-related projects
• Ensures that all modifications/projects conform fully to Mill Change Management Procedures, Mill Standard Specifications, Mill Safety Standards, and the OHS Act
• Optimisation of plant performance and control characteristics to maintain high plant availability
• Review equipment in line with technological advancement within the industry on an ongoing basis
• Explore quality products at reduced costs in the event of replacement
• Fault-finding malfunctions of field devices and system components with the aid of electrical drawings and test equipment
• Proficiency in specialist areas such as BQS, BCU, PLCs, VFD’s, HV and LV reticulation and Protection Equipment, Power Generator, and Auxiliary Equipment
• Provides on-going training to personnel to perform specific tasks on new equipment, completed projects, and maintenance of equipment. Operator training (limitations due to system interlocks/sequences explained).
• Manages varied multi-disciplinary plant modifications/project work from concept to commissioning and closeout
What are we looking for?
• National Diploma or B Tech in Electrical Engineering
• 5 years of industrial experience in PLC / Profibus knowledge and experience in heavy industrial electrical equipment and systems
• Project Management Experience
• Supervisory experience
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 (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Electrician Jobs
What is the minimum wage for Electrician Jobs in South Africa in 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the national minimum wage for electricians in South Africa is R28.79 per hour as of 1 March 2026. Electricians working more than 45 hours per week must receive 1.5 times this rate for overtime. This applies to all registered electrical contractors under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
What qualifications and experience are required to work as an electrician in South Africa?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, applicants need an NQF Level 4 electrical engineering certificate plus a completed trade test at a registered trade test centre. A minimum of 3 years relevant experience is required before the trade test, with registration on the National Artisan Database mandatory from 1 January 2026.
What documents are needed to apply for electrician jobs through the Department of Employment and Labour in 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, applicants must submit a certified ID copy, NQF Level 4 certificate, trade test results, and proof of 3 years experience via the ESSA online portal. Applications without a valid Certificate of Compliance number are rejected immediately.
What are the standard working hours and leave benefits for electricians in South Africa?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, electricians work 45 hours per week with 21 consecutive days of annual leave after 12 months of service as of 2026. Sick leave is 36 days over a 3-year cycle and family responsibility leave is 3 days per year.
