Advance Process Control Specialist

Square One Resources; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is looking for an Advance Process Control Subject Matter Expert (SME) based in the UK. The role involves leading the design and implementation of advanced process control solutions to optimize productivity and energy efficiency in the pulp and paper industry. Candidates should have a degree in Chemical Engineering and extensive experience in process control. This is a 12-month contract inside IR35 with travel required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in process control within the pulp & paper or process manufacturing sector.
• Proven ability to optimize production and energy usage.
• Experience with statistical and AI/ML-based tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy APC applications to optimize production.
• Analyze process data to identify inefficiencies.
• Provide training to plant engineers.

Skills

Process optimization

DCS systems

APC platforms

Statistical analysis

Training and mentorship

Education

Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen DMCplus

Honeywell Profit Controller

Yokogawa APC

ABB

Job description

Job Title: Advance Process Control SME
Location: UK based (European travel required)
Salary/Rate: Negotiable depending on experience
Start Date: November 2025
Job Type: 12 Month contract (Inside IR35)

Introduction

We are looking for an APC (Advance Process Control) Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep technical expertise in process control systems, optimization, and performance improvement within the pulp and paper industry. The APC SME will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of advanced process control solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and energy efficiency across multiple production lines (eg, pulp mills, recovery boilers, paper machines, and bleaching processes).

Key Responsibilities

1. APC Strategy & Implementation
   Develop, configure, and deploy Advanced Process Control (APC) applications to optimize production, energy usage, and process stability.
   Integrate APC solutions with DCS, PLC, and MES systems.
2. Process Optimization
   Analyse process data using statistical and AI/ML-based tools to identify process inefficiencies.
   Implement and fine-tune soft sensors, inferential models, and control algorithms for critical parameters (eg, consistency, brightness, moisture, basis weight).
3. Technical Expertise & Support
   Serve as the subject matter expert for APC-related technologies, tools, and best practices.
   Provide training and mentorship to plant engineers and control room operators.
4. Collaboration & Governance
   Partner with process, IT, and data analytics teams to ensure APC systems align with digital manufacturing goals.
   Establish KPIs and governance frameworks for APC performance monitoring.

Required Skills/Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Instrumentation, Control Systems, or Process Automation.
• Extesnive experience in process control within the pulp & paper, chemicals, or process manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience with APC platforms (eg, Aspen DMCplus, Honeywell Profit Controller, Yokogawa APC, ABB, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of DCS systems (ABB, Honeywell, Emerson, or Siemens).

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format.