_{17th November, 2025}

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Job Title: Instrumentation Engineer
Department: Instrumentation
Business Unit: Geochemistry
Reports to: Operations Manager - Geochemistry, Johannesburg
Company: ALS Chemex South Africa
 
 
About ALS
ALS is a global leader in laboratory testing, inspection, and certification services. Our Johannesburg Geochemistry facility is seeking an experienced Instrumentation Engineer to support and optimize the performance of advanced analytical instrumentation used across our laboratory operations.
This role is critical to ensuring high-quality data output, maximum instrument uptime, and alignment with global ALS standards and practices.
 
 
Main Purpose of the Role
The Instrumentation Engineer will oversee the technical operations, maintenance, and performance of analytical instruments including ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS, and associated auxiliary equipment. This includes breakdown response, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, commissioning, and continuous improvement aligned with global ALS benchmarks.
 
 
Key Responsibilities
 
 
1. Compliance

• Uphold ALS Health & Safety Foundation Standards and all related procedures and requirements.
• Adhere to ALS core values, company policies, SOPs, and local legislative requirements.
• Ensure compliance with ALS Quality Management System and ISO17025 standards.
• Prepare for and support internal and external audits.

2. Strategic Objectives

• Develop and implement projects aligned with business strategy.
• Monitor, manage, and report on technical projects to the Laboratory Manager.
• Research and evaluate new technologies, global ALS practices, and industry trends.
• Anticipate operational needs and contribute to long-term planning.

3. Technical Support

• Lead root-cause investigations for instrument and quality issues and report findings promptly.
• Respond to breakdown maintenance and implement preventative measures to minimize downtime.
• Schedule and oversee preventative maintenance for all instrumentation to optimize performance.
• Operate and maintain ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS and other analytical equipment.
• Manage spare parts inventory and ensure optimal stock levels.
• Conduct assessments on calibration failures and implement continuous improvement corrective actions.
• Commission new instruments and decommission outdated systems while ensuring full asset traceability.
• Drive technical upgrades and ensure templates, setups, and configurations are aligned with ALS Global standards.
• Oversee and implement system improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and performance enhancements.
• Participate in production and technical meetings to ensure alignment of operational KPIs.

4. Human Resources

• Support recruitment for the section in consultation with HR.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical development to team members.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and set development goals.
• Manage time and attendance compliance for the section.
• Provide regional support for training and technical issues across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and initiate disciplinary actions when required.

5. Risk Mitigation

• Identify emerging risk areas and alert management.
• Recommend improvements to risk mitigation strategies.
• Participate in crisis management activities as needed.

Key Competencies Behavioural

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational abilities with flexibility to adapt.
• Sound decision-making, problem-solving, and preventive action skills.
• Team player who inspires excellence and respects diverse cultures.
• Demonstrates accountability and ownership.

Technical

• Strong strategic thinking and implementation skills.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of analytical instrumentation and laboratory operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Science, or Instrumentation.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in analytical laboratories with expertise in ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS.
• Experience with fire assay, sample prep, XRF, and wet chemical techniques advantageous.
• Knowledge of ISO17025 systems essential.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Willingness to travel to other regions when required.

Additional Information
This job description outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in response to operational needs, and responsibilities will be reviewed periodically, including during performance evaluations.

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