- Ladysmith
- Salary: Market Related
- Job Type: Permanent
- Sectors: Manufacturing
- Reference: 179945
Vacancy Details
Employer: Defy Appliances
Role Purpose
To ensure the reliable operation of automated manufacturing equipment by diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving control system, electrical, and machine logic faults. This role is critical in minimizing production downtime and realizing automation projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Report to the Lead: Robotics & Automation and support daily production operations
- Provide rapid response to breakdowns, a strong focus on PLC, control, and automation-related faults
- Maintenance, repairs, diagnoses and resolving machine stoppages related to:
- PLC logic and sequencing
- Sensors, interlocks, and safety circuits
- HMIs and communication faults
- Drives (VSDs/servo systems)
- Perform fault finding on electrical control systems and interpret wiring diagrams and schematics
- Maintain, modify, and back up PLC and HMI programs
- Support machine setup, changeovers, and process optimization
- Assist in identifying recurring faults and implement sustainable technical solutions
- Work closely with maintenance and production teams to improve equipment reliability
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and company procedures
Minimum Requirements
- Trade Tested Artisan (Electrician / Instrumentation / Millwright)
OR
National Diploma / Degree in Mechatronics or Light Current Engineering - Minimum 5 years’ experience in an automated manufacturing environment
- Proven experience in PLC fault finding and basic programming
- Hands-on experience with:
- PLCs (Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi)
- HMIs
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) and/or Servo Drives
- Strong electrical and control systems background
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and control logic
Key Competencies
- Strong fault-finding and problem-solving ability under pressure
- Ability to understand machine sequences and identify root causes of failures
- Hands-on, practical approach to troubleshooting
- Able to work shifts, overtime, and respond to breakdowns when required
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Self-managed with the ability to take initiative
- Working knowledge of the OHS Act
Please be advised if you haven’t been contacted within 30 days then your application is unsuccessful.
11 people have applied for this job. 230 people have viewed this job.
About Defy Appliances
Defy Appliances is a South African manufacturing company and is the largest manufacturer and distributor of major domestic appliances in southern Africa. The company manufactures and develops a range of large appliances from gas stoves, refrigerators, washing machines and tumble dryers to continuous clean ovens and convection ovens.
It currently operates two factories:
- Jacobs (Durban) - manufactures free-standing stoves, built-in ovens and hobs, tumble dryers.
- Ezakheni (Ladysmith) - manufactures electric chest freezers and electric refrigerators.
Defy Appliances was founded in the 1905 in Wentworth, KwaZulu-Natal by John Skinner and Sir Benjamin Greenacre. The company manufactured its first product, electric stoves, in 1932. The Durban Falkirk Iron Company (DFI, now DEFY) moved the foundry from Jacobs to Newcastle around 1987. In July 2011, the company was purchased by Turkish based Arçelik as part of its plan to expand into emerging markets in Africa.
Defy has earned the right to be called an iconic brand in South Africa, engendering a long-lasting, loyal relationship with our consumers over the past 117 years. Our brand is greater than our products or services – it has an immensely strong influence not only on consumers but also on the entire appliance and electronics industry.
Through a strong focus on R&D, Defy continues to design and develop new products, keeping the brand relevant and aspirational. Defy has always been a pioneer in the large appliance market, with innovation and technological advancement being the main thrust of its product development. With products focused on good nutrition, water and energy efficiency, Defy strives to ensure that our consumers live better lives
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