About the Role
Our client, a major player in the agrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced Chemical Process Control Engineer to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is critical for designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced process control strategies to optimize plant operations, improve product quality, and ensure safety. You will be responsible for developing and tuning control loops, implementing advanced process control (APC) solutions, and troubleshooting control system issues. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical processes, control theory, and various distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC). This is an excellent opportunity to work on challenging automation projects within a key industrial sector, contributing to operational excellence and innovation. We are committed to leveraging the latest technologies in automation to drive efficiency and sustainability. Join a dedicated team focused on enhancing process performance through sophisticated control solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain process control strategies and systems (DCS/PLC).
- Develop and tune control loops for key process variables to ensure stability and optimize performance.
- Implement Advanced Process Control (APC) solutions, such as model predictive control (MPC).
- Troubleshoot control system hardware and software issues, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
- Collaborate with process engineers and operations teams to understand control requirements and identify improvement opportunities.
- Develop control system documentation, including logic diagrams, cause & effect charts, and operating manuals.
- Participate in HAZOP reviews and ensure control system design meets safety requirements.
- Monitor control system performance and reliability, implementing upgrades as needed.
- Provide training and technical support to operations personnel on control systems.
- Stay current with advancements in process control technology and automation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in process control engineering within the chemical or process industry.
- Proven experience with major DCS platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion) and PLC systems (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
- Strong understanding of control theory, PID control, and loop tuning techniques.
- Experience with Advanced Process Control (APC) software and implementation is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of process safety and SIL (Safety Integrity Level) assessment.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical schematics.
- Experience in the agrochemical industry is a plus.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and annual bonus potential.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings plan with company match.
- Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and specialized training.
- Exposure to advanced automation technologies in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
- Generous paid time off and company holidays.
- A collaborative and technically driven work environment.
- Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
- Potential for career growth within automation and control engineering.