Automation Technician - Cape Town, South Africa - Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines

Description

Afrigen is a Cape Town based biotechnology company focusing on product development, bulk adjuvant manufacturing, and supply and distribution of key biologicals to address unmet healthcare needs.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Automation Technician to join our team.

The Automation Technician will play a crucial role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimising the operational technology (OT) systems used in our pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and maintain operational technology systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), and other automation and control systems.
• Perform regular inspections and preventive maintenance tasks, collaborating with service providers on OT equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Respond promptly to equipment failures or malfunctions, diagnose root causes, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and production interruptions.
• Collaborate with crossfunctional teams, including Engineering, Validation and Production, to support the implementation of new OT initiatives and upgrades.
• Conduct testing, validation, and commissioning activities for new OT installations and system upgrades, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance documentation, and equipment manuals, to support the effective operation and maintenance of OT systems.
• Provide training and technical support to operational staff on the use of OT systems and troubleshooting procedures.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in operational technology and automation to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to company policies, safety guidelines, and regulatory standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements.

Qualifications:

• BTech/Degree in Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience working with operational technology systems in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA, PLC, HMI, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC, Modbus, Profinet, Profibus).
• Handson experience with troubleshooting, diagnosing, OT equipment and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance standards applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with crossfunctional teams.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cape Town,

Western Cape:
Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (preferred)


Experience:

• Automation/Electronic/

Mechatronic Engineering: 2 years (required)