Senior Control Systems Engineer - Energy Sector

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 77,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer for a hybrid role based in Kimberley. You will design, implement, and optimize control systems for power generation, renewables, and industrial energy applications, programming PLCs and DCS, and developing HMIs.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in industrial automation within the energy sector and a strong background in PLC/DCS programming, HMI development, and cybersecurity considerations. Travel for site commissioning is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in control systems engineering, with energy sector focus.
• Proficiency in PLC/DCS/SCADA programming and configuration.
• Experience with major manufacturers (Siemens, Rockwell) and DCS/SCADA systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA).
• Ability to travel occasionally for site commissioning and support.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC/DCS/SCADA control solutions for energy-related processes.
• Program and configure PLCs (Siemens, Rockwell) and DCS systems.
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces.
• Conduct system integration testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Analyze performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Produce design specifications, user manuals, and training materials.
• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and vendors to define requirements.
• Ensure safety, reliability, and cybersecurity standards are met.
• Stay current with control system technology trends.

Skills

Industrial automation

SCADA programming

HMI development

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic technology provider for the energy industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Control Systems Engineer to join their team based in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This hybrid role focuses on the design, implementation, and optimization of sophisticated control systems for power generation facilities, renewable energy plants, and industrial energy applications. You will be responsible for developing automation strategies, programming PLCs and DCS, and ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of complex energy systems. The ideal candidate has a strong background in industrial automation, PLC/DCS programming, and experience within the energy sector. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise in control systems to cutting edge energy projects in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control system solutions (PLC, DCS, SCADA) for energy-related industrial processes.


• Program and configure PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and DCS systems.


• Develop Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens and operator interfaces.


• Conduct system integration testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.


• Analyze system performance and identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.


• Develop technical documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and training materials.


• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and vendors to define control system requirements.


• Ensure control systems meet stringent safety, reliability, and cybersecurity standards.


• Stay current with advancements in control system technology and industrial automation trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in control systems engineering, with a significant portion in the energy sector.


• Proficiency in programming and configuring PLCs from major manufacturers (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000).


• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and SCADA systems.


• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA).


• Knowledge of power generation or renewable energy control principles is highly desirable.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.


• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.


• Willingness to travel occasionally for site commissioning and support.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package.


• The hybrid work model allows for a balance between office-based design work and remote flexibility.


• This role provides the chance to work with innovative technologies in the rapidly evolving energy sector in Kimberley, Northern Cape, and contribute to critical energy infrastructure projects across South Africa.