Junior Process Control Engineer - Mining Chemicals

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 15,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Annual bonus opportunities

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training & certifications

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, is seeking a Junior Process Control Engineer to design, implement, and maintain process control systems in a hybrid on-site role. You will work with experienced engineers to optimize chemical production and ensure safety while balancing remote analysis.

The position offers hands-on experience with DCS/PLC platforms and control strategies, plus opportunities for growth in a vital mining-chemical sector within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 0–4 years of experience in process control, automation, or instrumentation.
• Foundational knowledge of control theory, PID control, and instrumentation basics.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and configuration of DCS/PLC systems.
• Develop and maintain control strategies, loop tuning, and alarms.
• Collaborate with process engineers/operators to identify requirements.
• Support commissioning/start-up of new control systems/equipment.
• Troubleshoot control system issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Ensure SIL requirements are met in safety reviews.
• Develop and deliver training on control system operation.
• Generate reports on system performance and downtime.
• Stay updated with advancements in process automation.
• Work within hybrid model balancing remote analysis with on-site tasks in Welkom.

Skills

Process control

PID control

Instrumentation

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens DCS

Rockwell PLC

Emerson DeltaV

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key supplier of specialty chemicals to the mining industry, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Process Control Engineer to join their operations in Welkom, Free State. This is an exciting entry to mid-level position where you will gain hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining process control systems that are critical to the efficiency and safety of chemical production. You will work closely with experienced engineers and operators, contributing to the optimization of our client's manufacturing processes. This role offers a fantastic foundation for a career in process control engineering within a vital industrial sector. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while ensuring essential on-site presence for operational support.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and configuration of distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Develop and maintain control strategies, loop tuning, and alarm management systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to identify control system requirements and improvements.
• Support the commissioning and start-up of new control systems and equipment.
• Troubleshoot control system issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in safety reviews and ensure control system designs meet safety integrity level (SIL) requirements.
• Develop and deliver training to operators and technicians on control system operation and maintenance.
• Generate reports on system performance, downtime, and optimization initiatives.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in process automation and control technologies.
• Work effectively within a hybrid model, balancing remote analysis with on-site implementation and troubleshooting in Welkom.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 0-4 years of relevant experience in process control, automation, or instrumentation.
• Foundational knowledge of control theory, PID control, and basic instrumentation.
• Familiarity with DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson) is a strong asset.
• Basic understanding of chemical processes, particularly those relevant to the mining or specialty chemical sectors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work environment.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive starting salary, annual bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, provident fund, and opportunities for further training and certifications.
• You will benefit from working in a supportive team environment in Welkom, Free State, with exposure to modern process control technologies and the chance to grow your career in a dynamic industry.
• The hybrid model offers a balance between remote work for analysis and on-site engagement for critical operational tasks.