Senior Instrumentation and Control Engineer - Gold Mine Processing

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and life insurance

Retirement annuity fund

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placments24 invites a Senior Instrumentation and Control Engineer to join a prominent gold mining operation in Welkom, Free State. Lead design, implementation and optimization of instrumentation and control systems to improve plant reliability, safety and efficiency.

The role demands extensive PLC/SCADA expertise, SIS awareness, and strong collaboration with process engineers. Occasional travel to mine sites is required while base location remains Welkom.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering with instrumentation and control specialization.
• At least 7 years' experience in industrial instrumentation and control systems.
• Strong PLC programming experience (Siemens, Rockwell) and SCADA.
• Ability to read P&IDs, electrical schematics, and loop diagrams.
• Knowledge of Modbus/Profibus protocols.
• Experience with SIS is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Willing to travel to mine sites; primary location is Welkom.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and commission instrumentation and control systems for plant processes.
• Develop and maintain PLC/DCS logic, HMI screens, and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex instrumentation and control issues.
• Calibrate and maintain field instruments (flow meters, transmitters, level sensors).
• Develop strategies to improve process control and automation.
• Ensure safety standards compliance for control systems.
• Provide training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Manage instrumentation projects, including scope, budgeting, execution.
• Maintain documentation of all instrumentation and control systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers to optimize plant performance.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

P&ID interpretation

Field instrumentation

Industrial networks

Problem solving

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (instrumentation & control)

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Rockwell PLCs

HMI/SCADA tools

P&ID reading tools

Job description

About the Role A prominent gold mining company is seeking a Senior Instrumentation and Control Engineer to join their processing plant operations in Welkom, Free State. This key role will focus on the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of instrumentation and control systems within the plant. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, accuracy, and safety of process control loops, PLCs, SCADA systems, and field instrumentation. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in industrial automation, process control strategies, and troubleshooting complex control issues. This position is crucial for enhancing plant efficiency, product quality, and operational safety. The Welkom area has a rich mining heritage, providing a unique setting for this role. Our client is dedicated to adopting cutting-edge technologies to optimize their operations and maintain a competitive edge in the Oil & Gas adjacent mining sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and commission instrumentation and control systems for plant processes.
• Develop and maintain PLC/DCS logic, HMI screens, and SCADA systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex instrumentation and control system issues.
• Perform calibration and maintenance of various field instruments (e.g., flow meters, pressure transmitters, level sensors).
• Develop and implement strategies for improving process control and automation.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations for control systems.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Manage instrumentation projects, including scope definition, budgeting, and execution.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all instrumentation and control systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers and other disciplines to optimize plant performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in instrumentation and control.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial instrumentation and control systems, preferably within the mining or process industry.
• Strong experience with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and SCADA systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting P&IDs, electrical schematics, and loop diagrams.
• Knowledge of various industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus).
• Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to various mine sites as needed for support, despite the primary location being Welkom.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, a retirement annuity fund, and life insurance.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement within a leading mining organization are provided.
• The role is based in Welkom, Free State, a region with a significant history in resource extraction.
• Join us to advance your career in automation within the Oil & Gas related mining sector.