Senior Electronics Technician at Biovac

The Biovac Institute requires a Senior Technician: Electronic to contribute to its mission of establishing local biological and vaccine manufacturing capability at its Cape Town based site. Being the only one of its kind in South Africa, Biovac strives to respond to the vaccine needs of the developing countries, specifically South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. This is a particularly exciting time for the company as it continues to grow, strengthen and build on its success and further develop its capabilities, products, services and market diversification.

The successful incumbent will report to the Supervisor: Engineering.

Summary of role:

• Ensure Utilities are maintained and serviced.
• Responsible for monitoring of all systems that operate 24/7 and will be primarily responsible to respond to a breakdown.
• Ensure service providers adhere to cGMP and Bio-safety
• Draft and update relevant departmental SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) timeously
• Understanding on the principals of PLC’s, VFD’s, HMI’s and safety circuits.
• Read control panel electrical diagrams and correlate to installed parts.
• Troubleshoot and fault find on control circuits and be able to find solutions to solve current issues or prevent future issues from occurring.
• Performs complex technical functions in support of engineering activities such as set up, operation, maintenance, modification, circuit testing, calibration and troubleshooting of electronic or electromechanical, components and systems, experimental design circuitry, prototype models or specialized test equipment.
• Works from schematics, diagrams, written and verbal instructions.
• Conduct complex engineering tests to collect design data or assist in general research work.
• Assist in the development of electronic equipment.
• Adjust and replace defective or improperly functioning circuitry and electronics components, using hand tools and soldering iron.
• Repair or modify cables and equipment returned by operational users or by personnel in the associated test and development areas.
• Assemble experimental circuitry or complete prototype model according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electronic systems and components.
• Recommend changes in circuitry or installation specifications to simplify assembly and maintenance.
• Analyze and interpret test data.
• Adjust, calibrate, align, and modify circuitry and components and records effects on unit performance.
• Write technical reports and develop charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate system consideration by engineers in broader determinations affecting system design and procedures.
• Upgrade software and running software tests on existing electronic systems.
• Maintain detailed records of validity tests and upgrades performed.

Quality Performance in terms of:

• Building GMP Knowledge and Compliance
• Driving Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Driving Quality Risk Management

Technical Competencies

• Competent on programming software and hardware relevant to equipment used on site.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry standards and guidelines in GMP, Quality and Laboratory Management
• Technical report writing
• Microsoft Excel for reporting
• cGMP vaccine manufacturing- quality and regulatory compliance knowledge, i.e. SAHPRA and WHO

Generic Competencies

• Planning, Organising, Execution & Delegation
• Strategic & Holistic Thinking
• Creative Problem Solving & Innovation Skills
• Proactive in mitigating risk
• Clear, timely and effective communication skills both verbally and in writing
• Analytical Ability

Knowledge & Capabilities required to succeed in this role:

Qualifications

Required

• Diploma in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Preferred:

• Post Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.

Experience

Required:

• 4 to 5 years relevant experience within a vaccine / biotech industry or equivalent
• Specific machinery understanding and operational manufacturing experience within a similar environment
• Sound technical ability and hands on approach on maintenance activities.
• Experience in having faced successfully local and international quality audits would be advantageous

Other Requirements

• Potential shift work, reliable transport, ability to conduct road and air travel.