Chemical Engineer - Process Control & Automation

Placements24; Nuwerus; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual bonus

Training & certifications

Safety gear & tools

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Control and Automation in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will design, implement, and troubleshoot DCS/PLC control strategies, optimise APC algorithms, and collaborate with instrumentation and operations teams to enhance plant efficiency and product quality.

The role requires a strong process background, familiarity with SIS and hazardous area classifications, and a proactive approach to maintaining safe, compliant operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical/Electronic Engineering with a strong process background.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process control engineering within a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with major DCS platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV) and PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell).
• Strong understanding of control theory, PID tuning, and cascade control strategies.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain process control strategies using DCS and PLC platforms.
• Develop and optimize advanced process control (APC) algorithms to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshoot control system hardware and software issues, performing root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with instrumentation engineers and technicians to ensure proper calibration and maintenance of control devices.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, control narratives, and loop diagrams.
• Participate in the design and commissioning of new control systems for plant modifications and expansions.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for control loop optimization and performance improvement.
• Ensure control systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to operations personnel on control system functionalities.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process control and automation technologies.

Skills

DCS platforms

PLC programming

Process control

PID tuning

SIS

Hazardous areas

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens

Rockwell

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the specialty chemicals market, is seeking a skilled Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Control and Automation to join their operations team in Kimberley. This role is critical for enhancing plant efficiency, safety, and product consistency through the implementation and maintenance of advanced control systems. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and troubleshooting control strategies, working closely with instrumentation and operations teams. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles combined with in-depth knowledge of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and process instrumentation. This is a hands‑on role requiring a proactive approach to identifying and resolving control system issues, optimizing process performance, and contributing to the overall reliability of the manufacturing facility. Join our client and play a vital role in modernizing their production processes in the Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain process control strategies using DCS and PLC platforms.
• Develop and optimize advanced process control (APC) algorithms to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshoot control system hardware and software issues, performing root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with instrumentation engineers and technicians to ensure proper calibration and maintenance of control devices.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, control narratives, and loop diagrams.
• Participate in the design and commissioning of new control systems for plant modifications and expansions.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for control loop optimization and performance improvement.
• Ensure control systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to operations personnel on control system functionalities.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process control and automation technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical/Electronic Engineering with a strong process background.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process control engineering within a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with major DCS platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV) and PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell).
• Strong understanding of control theory, PID tuning, and cascade control strategies.
• Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) and hazardous area classifications.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills related to control system performance.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, especially with operations and maintenance teams.
• Ability to work on-site in Kimberley and respond to urgent operational needs.
• Knowledge of simulation and modeling tools for control system design is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits.
• Annual bonus tied to plant performance and safety metrics.
• Opportunities for specialized training and certifications in automation technologies.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment focused on technological advancement.
• Exposure to state-of-the-art control systems and manufacturing processes.
• Contribution to operational excellence in the Northern Cape chemical industry.
• Company-provided safety gear and tools.