Senior Instrumentation & Control Engineer - Energy Systems

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive medical aid and pension

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Engineer to design, implement, and maintain sophisticated control systems for energy assets in a hybrid Upington-based role. This position requires expert knowledge of PLC/DCS, SCADA, and field instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in I&C engineering within the energy sector and fluency in selecting instrumentation, control valves, and automation strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Chemical Engineering with instrumentation and control specialization.
• 7+ years in I&C engineering with energy sector focus (power, oil & gas, renewables).
• Experience with PLC/DCS programming, HMI/SCADA development, and field instrumentation.
• Knowledge of process control theory, loop tuning, and automation strategies.
• Experience with functional safety (SIL) assessment is desirable.
• Familiarity with ISA and IEC standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop I&C systems, including P&IDs, logic diagrams, instrument specifications, and control narratives.
• Select appropriate instrumentation, control valves, PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems for energy projects.
• Develop and implement control strategies and automation solutions to optimize performance and safety.
• Oversee installation, calibration, testing, and commissioning of I&C equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex I&C issues during plant operation.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and project specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project management, electrical, mechanical, and operations engineers.
• Manage I&C project budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior I&C engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated on latest advancements in control system technology and automation.

Skills

PLC/DCS programming

HMI/SCADA development

Process control theory

Loop tuning

Automation strategies

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SCADA Systems

DCS

PLCs

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent developer and operator of diverse energy projects and seeks a highly skilled Senior Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Engineer. This Hybrid role, based in Upington, Northern Cape, is vital for designing, implementing, and maintaining the sophisticated control systems that ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our energy assets, including solar power plants and potential future energy storage solutions. You will lead projects related to instrumentation, process control, automation, and SCADA systems, working closely with engineering and operations teams. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in I&C engineering within the energy sector, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to innovation. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure projects in the Northern Cape and play a key role in South Africa's energy transition. The role involves a mix of office-based design and analysis in Upington, along with essential site visits.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop I&C systems, including P&IDs, logic diagrams, instrument specifications, and control narratives.
• Select appropriate instrumentation, control valves, PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems for various energy applications.
• Develop and implement control strategies and automation solutions to optimize plant performance and safety.
• Oversee the installation, calibration, testing, and commissioning of I&C equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex I&C-related issues during plant operation.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and project specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project management, electrical, mechanical, and operations engineers.
• Manage I&C project budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior I&C engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in control system technology and automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in Instrumentation and Control.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in I&C engineering, with a significant portion focused on the energy sector (e.g., power generation, oil & gas, renewables).
• Proven experience with PLC/DCS programming, HMI/SCADA development, and field instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of process control theory, loop tuning, and automation strategies.
• Experience with functional safety (SIL) assessment and implementation is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., ISA, IEC).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working in Upington, Northern Cape, or similar operational environments is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and comfortable with a Hybrid work model.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund package.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certification.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Exposure to diverse and cutting-edge energy technologies.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.