Field Service Technician: Automation - Stellenbosch at The Heineken Company

The purpose of the position:

• The Field Service Automation Technician provides high-level specialised field support across production sites, focusing on complex fault resolution, upgrades, improvements, packaging line performance optimisation, inspection & coding systems, and adherence to Heineken Global Engineering and D&T standards.
• This role serves as a central technical reference point and contributes to delivering safe, efficient, and high-performing production operations.

Key Performance Areas would include, but are not limited to:

Standards, Governance & Compliance

• Ensure consistent application and maintenance of Heineken Global Engineering Standards, Global Automation Standards, and PCD/OT cybersecurity requirements across all sites.
• Drive governance processes related to backup and restore procedures, automation asset management, lifecycle planning, and change control (MoC).
• Maintain and enhance standard templates for PLC, HMI, SCADA, and network architectures, functional descriptions, and engineering documentation.
• Perform periodic compliance audits and coordinate remediation actions with site teams.

Execution of Automation Activities

• Lead and execute advanced automation engineering activities, including PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, diagnostics, upgrades, and system optimisation.
• Support OT network infrastructure troubleshooting and optimisation across technologies such as Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, and OPC UA.
• Ensure all automation interventions follow appropriate engineering, quality, and safety procedures.
• Provide technical guidance for instrumentation, control loops, calibration systems, and automation interfaces with MES and digital platforms.
• Conduct packaging line audits, line balancing, throughput optimisation, inspection & coding (recipes, rejection logic). 

Continuous Improvement (CI)

• Analyse operational performance to identify automation-based improvement opportunities in OEE, energy efficiency, waste reduction, stability, and quality.
• Apply systematic problem-solving methodologies (RCFA, 5 Whys) to eliminate recurring automation-related losses.
• Support TPM initiatives and digital transformation programmes by enabling automation enhancements and data-driven decision making.

Project Leadership & In-House Project Execution

• Plan and lead automation and OT engineering projects in alignment with CoE PMO and governance frameworks.
• Prepare scopes of work, evaluate technical solutions, coordinate vendor/contractor activities, and ensure adherence to standards.
• Perform FAT, SAT, commissioning and formal handover with full documentation.
• Execute selected automation development and upgrade projects in-house to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on external integrators.

PCD / OT Cybersecurity

• Implement and maintain PCD cybersecurity controls in accordance with Heineken D&T policies, including access management, network segmentation, patching, and vulnerability remediation.
• Ensure accurate automation asset inventories and system documentation.
• Support cross-functional security assessments and incident response activities, ensuring risks are escalated and mitigated promptly.
• Deep Technical Problem Solving
• Serve as the central escalation point for complex automation faults affecting production operations.
• Lead structured troubleshooting, root cause identification, and sustainable corrective actions for automation-related breakdowns.
• Provide remote and on-site technical support to ensure minimal downtime and operational impact.

Stakeholder Management & Capability Development

• Collaborate closely with Engineering Managers, Production, Quality, D&T (OT Security), and site Automation Technicians.
• Coach and mentor site-based automation resources to uplift capability and embed standardised ways of working.
• Deliver training on automation standards, cybersecurity practices, and engineering excellence methodologies.
• Engage openly and transparently with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring alignment and buy-in.

The successful candidate must have the following Skills and experience:

• National Diploma or BTech in Electrical/Electronic or Mechatronics Engineering.
• 5–10 years of experience in automation within a manufacturing environment (beverage, brewery, or FMCG preferred).
• Strong technical expertise in Siemens (S7/TIA Portal).
• Experience with industrial communication networks and OT cybersecurity practices.
• Proven experience in Field service.
• Willingness to Travel - Minimum 50%.