Control and Instrumentation Engineer - Petrochemical

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life assurance

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Control and Instrumentation Engineer for a key role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design, implement, and maintain DCS/PLC-based control systems, develop instrumentation specs, calibrations, and provide technical support to operations.

The role requires 6+ years in petrochemical process industries, proficiency with DCS/PLC, and strong problem-solving skills. Hybrid work is offered with emphasis on safe operations and ongoing improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Electronic Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in control and instrumentation engineering within petrochemical or similar process industry.
• Proven experience with DCS and PLCs.
• Experience with instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level).
• Understanding of process control principles and tuning methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain control systems (PLC, DCS, SCADA).
• Develop instrumentation specifications and calibration procedures.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and control issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with process engineers to optimize control loops.
• Ensure compliance with ISA standards and safety regulations.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and risk assessments.
• Manage control system upgrade projects and installations.
• Provide training and technical support to operations and maintenance.

Skills

Control systems design

Instrumentation calibration

Troubleshooting

Risk assessment

Communication & teamwork

Education

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

Professional registration (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA preferred

Tools

DCS

PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a skilled Control and Instrumentation Engineer to join their operational team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is vital for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex industrial processes through the design, implementation, and maintenance of control and instrumentation systems. The successful candidate will be involved in optimizing plant performance by leveraging advanced control strategies and ensuring the integrity of measurement and control devices. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a critical sector in Richards Bay and contribute to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain control systems, including PLC, DCS, and SCADA platforms.
• Develop and manage instrumentation specifications, selection, and calibration procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex instrumentation and control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with process engineers to optimize control loops and improve process efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards (e.g., ISA) and safety regulations.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and other risk assessment activities related to control systems.
• Manage projects related to control system upgrades and new installations.
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Stay abreast of new technologies in process control and instrumentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Electronic Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in control and instrumentation engineering within the petrochemical or a similar process industry.
• Proven experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Proficiency in selecting, calibrating, and troubleshooting various types of instrumentation (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, level transmitters).
• Strong understanding of process control principles and tuning methodologies.
• Experience with SIL (Safety Integrity Level) assessments and implementation is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical skills and methodical problem-solving capabilities.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Professional registration (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, and life assurance.
• You will have opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading industrial organization.
• The role is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and operates on a hybrid model, providing a balance between on-site operational engagement and remote planning and analysis.
• Join a team dedicated to operational excellence and safety in the vital petrochemical sector.