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 Welder Jobs
What is the minimum hourly wage for welders in South Africa from 1 January 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the minimum wage for welders in South Africa is R27.85 per hour as of 1 January 2026 under the National Minimum Wage Act. Overtime must be paid at 1.5 times this rate for hours worked beyond 45 per week in the metal industry.
What qualifications and experience does the Department of Employment and Labour require for welder jobs in South Africa?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, welders must hold a minimum N2 certificate in welding plus 3 years documented experience or a Red Seal trade certificate issued by QCTO. Candidates without these credentials are ineligible for formal sector positions.
Which documents are required when applying for welder jobs through the Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, applicants must submit a certified ID copy, Red Seal certificate or N2 qualification, proof of 3 years experience, and a valid tax number from SARS. Applications without these four documents are rejected at the labour centre.
What are the legal working hours and annual leave entitlements for welders in South Africa in 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, welders are limited to 45 ordinary hours per week with 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave after 12 months of service. Public holidays and family responsibility leave of 3 days per year are additional entitlements.
