Durban: Shift Electrician

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Shift Electrician to join our team in Durban. As a key member of our maintenance team, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems on our production equipment. Your expertise in fault-finding and repair, combined with your ability to work safely and efficiently, is essential to minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Fault Finding & Repairs Diagnose and repair electrical faults on machinery and equipment, with or without electrical diagrams.
• Troubleshoot and replace/adjust electrical components including sensors, contactors, relays, VFDs, servo drives, motors, and controllers as directed.
• Perform basic fault diagnostics on PLC-controlled equipment (input/output level), escalating complex issues to the Head Electrical.
• Attend to breakdowns promptly to minimize production downtime.
• Carry out corrective repairs and record work done, parts used, and root cause identified.
• Be available for shift work and overtime/call-outs as required.
• Installations, Alterations & Modifications (Support Role) Assist with installation and commissioning of new electrical equipment and systems as directed by the Head Electrical.
• Perform alterations or remedial work to existing electrical systems (e.g., cable routing, connection changes, component replacement) according to instructions and drawings.
• Ensure all work is performed to required standards and neatly finished.
• Preventative & Planned Maintenance Execute planned and preventative maintenance tasks on electrical equipment, DBs, switchgear, motors, sensors, and associated wiring.
• Conduct routine inspections, cleaning, tightening of connections, and basic calibration checks as required.
• Accurately complete maintenance checklists, job cards, and feedback reports, highlighting emerging risks and potential failures.
• Support to Mechanical & Other Teams Work closely with other maintenance staff.
• Assist with the electrical aspects of mechanical repairs (e.g., motor removal/replacement, isolation, sensor alignment).
• Collaborate with production, automation, and external contractors under the guidance of the Head Electrical.
• Generators & UPS Systems (Operational Support) Carry out routine inspections and basic maintenance on generators, and UPS units as per prescribed procedures.
• Assist with changeover operations and fault reporting for backup power systems.
• Report abnormalities, alarms, or failures promptly to the Head Electrical.
• Hardware & Electronics Support Replace and wire sensors, switches, proximity sensors, encoders, and other low-voltage control devices.
• Assist with basic diagnostics on PCBs and electronic components (visual inspections, connection checks, simple measurements).
• Pneumatic Systems Interface Work safely on electrical components associated with pneumatic systems (e.g., solenoid valves, position sensors, pressure switches).
• Identify whether faults are electrical, mechanical or pneumatic and involve the relevant specialist where required.

Requirements

• Electrical fault-finding and diagnostic skills on industrial machinery and equipment.
• Good understanding of AC and DC motors, motor starters, contactors, overloads VFDs and basic drive parameter checks/adjustments.
• Sensors (proximity, photoelectric, limit switches, etc.) and actuators.
• Control circuits, relays, interlocks, and safety circuits.
• Ability to work on equipment controlled by PLCs at I/O level (signal tracing, sensor/actuator verification), without modifying PLC programs.
• Knowledge of LV distribution systems: DBs, breakers, fuses, cabling, and basic switchgear.
• Familiarity with generators, UPS, and Solar PV systems at operational and maintenance level.
• Basic understanding of pneumatics where they interface with electrical systems.

Qualifications

Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent school-leaving certificate. Trade-tested Electrician qualification.