Are you a skilled automation professional with a passion for cutting-edge technology and a desire to work with iconic brands that have shaped South Africa’s biscuit tradition for over 170 years? If you have ever dreamed of joining a company that produces beloved brands like Bakers Tennis®, Blue Label Marie®, and Choice Assorted®, then the Automation and Control Technician position at AVI Limited’s National Brands Limited (NBL) is your golden ticket. With over 100 applicants already clicking “apply,” this role is clearly generating massive interest—and for excellent reasons. NBL is not just any company; it is part of a legacy that has been creating moments of joy for generations of South Africans. If you hold a National Diploma in Electrical, Electronic, and Instrumentation Engineering, have 3–5 years of experience in an FMCG environment, and possess strong PLC, SCADA, and HMI programming skills, this automation technician opportunity could be the breakthrough you have been waiting for.
Apply now – no closing date specified!
Why National Brands Limited (NBL)? A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
National Brands Limited (NBL) is part of AVI Limited and has been shaping South Africa’s biscuit tradition for over 170 years. With two iconic factories in Isando and Westmead, NBL produces beloved brands that have become household names. At NBL, you’ll work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where innovation, quality, and teamwork thrive.
What does this mean for you?
- You will contribute to producing South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands, influencing daily life.
- You will be part of a forward-thinking environment that encourages product and process improvement.
- You will access a range of roles and growth opportunities at one of NBL’s 5 world-class facilities.
- You will work in a supportive, team-driven environment where your contributions matter.
Automation and Control Technician Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Automation and Control Technician |
| Company | AVI Limited (National Brands Limited) |
| Location | Kempton Park, Gauteng |
| Employment Type | Full-time, On-site |
| Line Manager | Production Software Specialist |
| Qualifications | National Diploma in Electrical, Electronic, and Instrumentation Engineering |
| Experience | Minimum 3–5 years in a similar role within an FMCG environment |
| Key Skills | PLC Programming (Siemens S7, Allen Bradley), SCADA (Wonderware InTouch), HMI Programming, Industrial Networking Protocols |
| Application | Online via LinkedIn or AVI careers portal |
| Closing Date | Not specified – apply immediately! |
Note: This role provides technical support for all aspects of automation fault finding and improvement at NBL’s Isando Biscuits facility.
What the Role Offers You
This is not just a job—it is a career-defining opportunity. You will be based at NBL’s Isando Biscuits facility, playing a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of automation systems.
Key Benefits:
Stable Employment – full-time, on-site position with a leading FMCG company.
Valuable Experience – gain hands-on experience with Siemens S7, Allen Bradley, Wonderware InTouch, and more.
Iconic Brands – work with beloved brands that have been part of South African homes for generations.
Skills Development – enhance your skills in PLC, SCADA, HMI, and industrial networking.
Meaningful Work – contribute to producing products that create moments of joy.
Team Environment – work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive culture.
Career Growth – opportunities to develop within a leading FMCG organisation.
Key Responsibilities
As an Automation and Control Technician at NBL, you will be at the heart of automation support and improvement. Your responsibilities will be varied and designed to ensure the smooth operation of plant automation systems.
You will be responsible for:
- Breakdown Support – assisting with day-to-day software-related breakdowns with recommendations to reduce; attending to software-related breakdowns in the factory; recommending actions to reduce and/or eliminate automation breakdowns.
- Reporting and Analysis – compiling reports on attended breakdowns to isolate and eliminate common and frequent issues; investigating plant breakdown incidents using trends, alarms, and reports.
- Technical Support – providing technical support and training to site on an ad-hoc basis; assisting instrumentation technicians with PLC, HMI, Drive, and SCADA fault finding.
- Plant Modifications – assisting with minor plant modifications, including upgrades of HMIs, PLCs, drives, etc.; assisting engineering foremen with minor plant changes that need code modifications.
Pro tip: Be proactive and detail-oriented. The more you engage with different tasks and teams, the more you will gain from this experience.
Do You Qualify? – Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the AVI Limited Automation and Control Technician role, you must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | National Diploma in Electrical, Electronic, and Instrumentation Engineering |
| Experience | Minimum 3–5 years in a similar role within an FMCG environment |
| PLC Programming | Siemens S7, Allen Bradley |
| SCADA | Wonderware InTouch |
| HMI Programming | Siemens, Omron, Proface |
| Drives and Servo | AC/DC – Drives and Servo experience |
| Industrial Networking | Profinet, Profibus, and Modbus |
| Software | MS Office & SQL Server |
Pro tip: If you have additional experience with other automation platforms or advanced networking protocols, be sure to highlight them in your application – they will give you a competitive edge.
How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step Guide
Step 1 – Prepare your documents:
Updated CV (tailored to highlight your National Diploma, experience, and technical skills)
Certified copy of your ID
Certified copies of your qualifications (National Diploma in Electrical, Electronic, and Instrumentation Engineering)
Any additional certificates or training records (PLC, SCADA, HMI, networking)
Step 2 – Access the application portal:
APPLY HERE: Automation and Control Technician
Step 3 – Complete the online application:
- Fill in all required fields accurately.
- Upload your CV and supporting documents.
Step 4 – Submit as soon as possible:
- No closing date is specified. Apply immediately – positions like this fill quickly!
Step 5 – What to expect after applying:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview and/or assessments.
- Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise, your experience, and your commitment to automation excellence.
ALSO APPLY FOR: DHL Flexitank General Worker
Tips for a Successful Application
Tailor Your CV – highlight your National Diploma, 3–5 years of FMCG experience, and proficiency in PLC, SCADA, HMI, and networking.
Write a Cover Letter – explain why you are interested in AVI Limited and how your skills align with the role.
Research AVI Limited – learn about the company’s history, values, and iconic brands.
Prepare for Interviews – think about examples of fault-finding, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
Apply Early – don’t wait for a deadline that may not be specified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does an Automation and Control Technician do at AVI Limited?
An Automation and Control Technician provides technical support for all aspects of automation fault finding and improvement, coordinates planned automation maintenance, assists with software-related breakdowns, and supports the Automation Software Specialist in research and development of site-wide automation possibilities.
2. What qualifications do I need?
You need a National Diploma in Electrical, Electronic, and Instrumentation Engineering.
3. How much experience do I need?
You need a minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role within an FMCG environment.
Conclusion – Ignite Your Automation Future with AVI Limited Today!
The Automation and Control Technician role at AVI Limited’s National Brands Limited in Kempton Park is more than just a job—it is a career-defining opportunity for a skilled automation professional ready to join a legacy of quality and innovation. With a National Diploma in Electrical, Electronic, and Instrumentation Engineering, 3–5 years of FMCG experience, and proficiency in PLC, SCADA, HMI, and networking, this is your launchpad to a bright future.
If you are technically skilled, experienced, and ready to contribute to producing South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands, do not let this opportunity pass you by. Update your CV, highlight your strengths, and hit that apply button today!
Your journey to a rewarding career in automation starts here – apply now and become part of a team that creates moments of joy for generations of South Africans!
