Instrumentation and Control Technician

Application Deadline: 7 November 2025Department: Business OperationsLocation: KenyaDescriptionGlobeleq is a leading independent power producer actively developing and operating power projects in Africa. With diverse portfolio, the company utilizes various technologies to generate reliable and sustainable energy.The Menengai Geothermal Project is a 35 MW greenfield geothermal power plant, forming part of the first phase of the larger Menengai complex. This marks Kenya’s second large scale geothermal development after Olkaria. Once the plant reaches commercial operation at the end of 2025, Globeleq will be responsible for its Operation and Maintenance (O&M).The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) a Kenyan government owned entity will supply steam to the project under a 25-year Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA).Electricity generated will be sold to Kenya Power, the national distribution company under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the same period. The project will deliver clean, affordable and reliable baseload power to Kenya’s national grid, supporting the monetization of Menengai geothermal resources.As the project shareholder, Globeleq is leading its construction, operation and long-term management.We have partnered with Smart4Energy for this recruitment, in case of any queries kindly reach out to the team by emailing hello@smart4energytalent.comMain Purpose of RoleThe Instrumentation and Control Technician will be required to install, troubleshoot, maintain and repair instrumentation, controls, computers, and electrical systems used in the Power Plant. This equipment includes, but is not limited to the Steam Turbine, Generator switchgears and various auxiliary equipment at the Menengai Geothermal Power Plant. The role is critical in ensuring high plant availability, minimal parasitic load, optimal equipment performance, and full compliance with safety, quality, and industry best practices.Operating within the framework of Globeleq’s policies and standards, as well as the requirements of the EPC, PISSA, PPA, LTSA, and O&M agreements. The role will collaborate closely with other engineering disciplines and the broader O&M team to ensure sustained plant performance, availability, and reliability.Key Result Areas1) Mobilisation Period (Pre-COD)- Review O&M manuals, manufacturer’s recommendations, and EPC documentation for adequacy and completeness.- Support in development of plant-specific maintenance procedures, schedules, and records ahead of commissioning.- Validate EPC-supplied spare parts, tools, and consumables.- Participate in site inspections, contractor-led training, and pre-commissioning and commissioning activities.- Input into CMMS setup (IFS) and spare parts planning.2) Operation Period (Post COD)a) Maintenance execution- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance.- Maintain, troubleshoot and repair systems including:· Steam turbine and auxiliaries’ control and instrumentation systems· DCS and SCADA systems· HV and LV control systems· Pumps, valves, actuators systems· HVAC, Fire fighting systems and diesel generators· Balance of Plant systems- Implement LOTO, permit-to-work, and other HSESS requirements.- Utilize CMMS (IFS) for job planning, execution, and documentation.- Manage contractors and maintenance support teams.- Manage tools, consumables, spare parts inventory and reorder planning.b) PreventiveMaintenanceAs part of preventative maintenance activities, the I &C technician:- Participates in Steam (ST) Turbine and Generator minor and major overhauls.- carries out the planned maintenance works as scheduled on the plant DCS system, Switchgear, plant instruments and controls, GT/ ST and generators.- Installing new instrumentation systems and configuring them to the required settings.- Performing routine checks and maintenance on existing systems to prevent mechanical failure to instruments and the control systems.- Calibrating instruments to ensure their accuracy and reliability in data gathering and process control.- Diagnosing issues and effectuating immediate repairs to mitigate downtime.- Updating system software and hardware to ensure technological compliance and efficiency.- Documenting processes and maintaining service reports to adhere to compliance and operational standards.- Collaborating with team members, including engineers and other technicians, to improve system performance if necessary and enters the modifications in IFS.- I&C technicians also install monitoring and control technologies on equipment in Power Plant that control operational processes and record information. This monitoring and control equipment is part of the Power Plant’s DCS/ PLC system. The DCS/ PLC systems collect and process operational data to send alarms or notifications to the power plant network.- In addition to performing installations, I&C technicians also perform maintenance on equipment and PLC/ DCS systems by routinely calibrating and testing instruments and devices.- I&C technician conduct periodic system tests, set up equipment, and evaluate how the equipment and systems perform under simulated conditions. I&C technicians then conduct analysis with the test information to resolve design problems.- I&C technicians also calibrate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment and systems and write reports and record data on testing techniques, equipment, and specifications.- I&C technician ensure that all equipment and systems meet regulatory and compliance standards.- writes and reviews the work instructions (obtain he diagrams from the documentation and possibly request the work requestor additional information relating to the location, nature of the defect, etc.)- Maintain logs, and record labour, materials, and equipment used and update in IFS- works alone or with operator, Electrical and I&C Technician, etc. on the production units and auxiliaries depending on the types of equipment.- Reads and understands complex electrical and mechanical prints and schematics- Must be able to work late hours and overnight, should be able to work weekends and support callouts in a timely manner- Ensures that all work performed meets required codes (Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)) and is in accordance with plant policies and procedures.- Utilizes appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves and aprons.- Responsible for proper care/cleaning of tools, parts, materials and work area.- Responsible for providing coverage in the absence of other Maintenance Technicians.c) Corrective MaintenanceThe priority of interventions is defined at the daily joint meeting between maintenance and operation teams. Based on intervention orders issued by I & C engineer the I & C technician will,- Diagnoses and repairs the cause of instrument and control system malfunctions including transmitters, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), plant or distributive control systems (DCS), instrument loops, flow meters, pressure probes, temperature probes, thermocouples, level probes, repair electrical systems control malfunctions of equipment such as transformers, relays, switches, control, generator monitoring and control systems, medium and high voltage distribution systems and monitoring devices.- requests the LOTO of equipment to the operation department via IFS.- intervenes on equipment with a work permit issued by the operation department.- writes an intervention report in IFS once the works have been completed.- intervenes on incidental malfunctions when required by the Shift Engineer or his superior. In this case, he analyses the situation and proposes a solution as soon as possible.- manages the supply of technical tools and defines needs by ensuring the existence of the budget line and orders after agreement with his superiors.- provides the necessary tools during minor and major overhauls. Looks after the tools and ensure that they are safe and in good condition to be used when required.- anticipates and makes proposals to his superiors with a view to reducing or even eliminating the repetition of malfunctions. Participates / conducts RCA (Root Cause Analysis) to ensure the root of the problems is eliminated.- participates in the daily work launch meeting.- Recognizes and corrects potential equipment failure or unsafe conditions and communicates this to Instrumentation and Control Engineer and the operators- d) Leadership and Administration- supervise contractors on site.- Mentor interns and temporary staff as needed.- Identify training needs and coach team members to improve output.- Provide regular progress updates to the I & C engineer- Escalate unresolved issues and propose continuous improvement initiatives.e) Compliance and HSESS- Enforce Globeleq HSESS and plant-specific procedures.- Conduct audits and ensure compliance with OEM and company policies.- Monitor quality and completeness of executed work.- Lead acceptance inspections and document work evaluations.- Integrate QA/QC into all maintenance processes.Requirements, Skills and AttributesEducation:- Diploma in instrumentation and control/Electrical engineering Experience:- Minimum 5 years in power plant operations environment, preferably geothermal or steam turbine-based environment.Technical Competencies:- Expert in SCADA/PLC/DCS and industrial control systems. i.e Honeywell controls, Siemens, ABB and Allen Bradley PLCs- Good knowledge in Maintenance of power plant instruments and control system (routine, preventative, corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, etc.) or equivalent- Experience with computerised maintenance management system.- Experience with low, medium and high voltage switchgear and transformers is preferred.- Skilled in reading and interpreting P&IDs, schematics, and diagrams.- Proficient in CMMS (IFS preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.- Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and troubleshooting proficiency.- Experience with Cisco systems is an added advantage.- Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting ability.- Leadership in team supervision, contractor oversight.Behavioural Attributes:- High personal integrity and safety-first mindset.- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.- Excellent written and verbal communication.- Self-driven, results-oriented, and adaptable.- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and respond to emergencies.- Commitment to continuous improvement and problem-solving.