Cape Town: Maintenance Instrument Engineer posted by Deka Minas (Pty) Ltd

Please note this position is based in Saudi Arabia. The client will cover all relocation costs.

The Maintenance Instrument Engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of all instrumentation and control systems within the plant. This includes supporting preventive and corrective maintenance activities, optimizing equipment performance, and ensuring full compliance with engineering standards and safety regulations. The role requires strong technical expertise and experience in refinery or heavy industrial environments.

2. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, Control Systems, or related Engineering field.

• 5+ to 7+ years of experience in instrumentation maintenance within refinery, petrochemical, oil & gas, or heavy industrial manufacturing environments.

• Strong understanding of field instrumentation, control valves, transmitters, analyzers, DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems.

• Experience with international standards (IEC, ISA, API, ATEX, SIL, etc.).

• Knowledge of maintenance practices, calibration techniques, and reliability methodologies.

3. Key ResponsibilitiesInstrumentation Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on instrumentation and control systems.

• Troubleshoot faults in field instruments, control valves, online analyzers, and automation systems.

• Ensure accurate calibration and testing of instruments according to standards.

• Support maintenance teams during critical breakdowns and shutdown activities.

Technical Support & System Optimization

• Review instrumentation drawings, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and technical documentation.

• Assist with upgrades, modifications, and commissioning of instrumentation systems.

• Provide technical guidance to technicians and maintenance staff.

• Participate in root-cause analyses to prevent recurring failures.

Compliance, Safety & Documentation

• Ensure instrumentation maintenance complies with HSE, QA/QC, and engineering standards.

• Prepare and maintain maintenance records, calibration certificates, and documentation.

• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.

• Ensure hazardous area equipment is maintained according to certification requirements (Ex/ATEX).

4. Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of instrumentation and automation systems.

• Skilled in troubleshooting and calibrating a wide range of field instruments.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

• Familiarity with CMMS systems for work order and asset management.

• Strong analytical and diagnostic abilities.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• High attention to detail and commitment to reliability.

5. Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DCS/PLC systems from major vendors (e.g., Honeywell, ABB, Siemens, Yokogawa, Emerson).

• Certification in instrumentation or automation engineering.

• Experience in turnaround/shutdown maintenance planning and execution.

• Knowledge of SIL/Functional Safety requirements.