Control Systems Engineer - Power Generation

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contribution

Professional development

Annual leave

Life insurance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Control Systems Engineer to join our client’s energy generation operations in Upington, South Africa. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated PLC/DCS control architectures for power plants.

You will develop software, alarms, and HMI screens, perform troubleshooting, and drive plant reliability and safety outcomes on-site. A hardware/SCADA background and strong teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in control systems engineering in power generation or heavy industry.
• Proven experience with major PLC/DCS platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson DeltaV).
• Strong programming skills in Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software and industrial networking protocols.
• Solid understanding of process control principles and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• On-site work in South Africa; Pr. Eng. registration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLCs and DCS for power plant operations.
• Develop and maintain control system software, including logic, HMI screens, and alarms.
• Troubleshoot and perform root cause analysis of control system failures.
• Ensure reliability and availability of control systems through proactive maintenance.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to optimize plant performance.
• Implement safety protocols and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.
• Specify hardware and software components for upgrades and new installations.
• Conduct technical training for operators and maintenance staff.
• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation and control technologies.
• Manage small to medium control system projects from inception to completion.

Skills

PLC/DCS programming

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networking

Teamwork & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

Emerson DeltaV

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the energy generation sector, is seeking an experienced Control Systems Engineer to join their vital operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This hands-on role is central to the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated control systems that ensure the efficient and safe operation of power generation facilities. You will be integral to optimizing plant performance and reliability, contributing to the stable supply of electricity across the region. The position requires a dedicated individual to work on-site at our Upington, Northern Cape facility, providing critical expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment. We are committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement in the South African energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for power plant operations.
• Develop and maintain control system software, including logic, HMI screens, and alarm management.
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis of control system failures.
• Ensure the reliability and availability of control systems through proactive maintenance.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to optimize plant performance.
• Implement and adhere to stringent safety protocols and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.
• Specify and select appropriate hardware and software components for control system upgrades and new installations.
• Conduct technical training for operators and maintenance staff on control system functionality.
• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation and control technologies.
• Manage small to medium-sized control system projects from inception to completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in control systems engineering, specifically within the power generation or heavy industrial sector.
• Proven experience with major PLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson DeltaV).
• Strong programming skills in relevant languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software and industrial networking protocols.
• Solid understanding of process control principles and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively on-site and potentially during plant shutdowns or emergencies.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or eligible for registration with ECSA is an advantage.
• Must be legally permitted to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive annual salary of R, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Employees receive comprehensive medical aid coverage and a substantial contribution to a retirement annuity fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company are abundant, including specialized training and project leadership roles.
• This position is based at our key facility in Upington, Northern Cape, offering a stable and engaging work environment.
• Additional benefits include generous annual leave, life insurance, and participation in company wellness programs.