Sappi
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Electrical Technician
Company: Sappi Southern Africa
Job Type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Industry: Manufacturing / Engineering / Pulp & Paper
Location: Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Closing Date: 14 April 2026
Company Overview
Sappi Southern Africa is part of a globally recognized manufacturing group specializing in sustainable woodfibre products and innovative solutions. With decades of industry expertise, Sappi continues to lead through a strong commitment to safety, integrity, and environmental responsibility. The company fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to grow and contribute to operational excellence.
Job Overview
Sappi is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Technician to support plant operations through advanced electrical expertise. The role focuses on optimizing plant performance, maintaining automation systems, and ensuring high levels of equipment reliability. The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving system efficiency, troubleshooting faults, and supporting engineering projects from concept to completion.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with electrical standards, safety regulations, and operational procedures
- Maintain and manage PLC, SCADA systems, and Profibus networks, including system backups
- Lead implementation and commissioning of electrical and automation projects
- Optimize plant performance to maximize uptime and efficiency
- Diagnose and resolve electrical faults using technical drawings and testing tools
- Oversee high-voltage (HV) and low-voltage (LV) reticulation systems and protection equipment
- Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve plant operations
- Manage plant modification projects from planning through to commissioning and closure
- Provide technical training to staff on new systems and equipment
- Ensure all changes comply with safety standards, specifications, and legal requirements
Qualifications
Education
- National Diploma or BTech in Electrical Engineering
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in industrial electrical environments
- Proven experience with PLC systems and Profibus networks
- Experience working with heavy industrial electrical systems
- Project management and supervisory experience
Skills
- Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting abilities
- Knowledge of automation systems and industrial control technologies
- Familiarity with SCADA, VFDs, and protection systems
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strong communication and training capabilities
CV Tips
- Highlight your experience with PLC, SCADA, and industrial automation systems
- Include specific examples of projects you’ve led or contributed to
- Showcase your fault-finding and troubleshooting achievements
- Clearly list certifications and technical tools you are proficient in
- Keep your CV concise, structured, and tailored to electrical engineering roles
Benefits of Joining the Company
- Opportunity to work for a globally recognized and stable organization
- Access to continuous learning and development programs
- Career growth opportunities within an international network
- Competitive leave and employee wellness benefits
- Exposure to advanced technologies and large-scale industrial systems
- Potential travel opportunities depending on project requirements
Company Policy
Sappi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, gender, religion, disability, or any other protected status. The company prioritizes workplace safety and employee wellbeing, and supports initiatives that promote a healthy and productive work environment, including vaccination encouragement.
