Control & Instrumentation Engineer

Elchemie; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 536,000 - 580,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Medical cover

Provident fund

Group life & Disability cover

Job summary

Elchemie is seeking an Automation Engineer to support and lead plant-wide automation in a chemical manufacturing setting. You will troubleshoot, program and maintain DeltaV and PLC systems, integrate historians and drive continuous improvement across processes.

The role involves project coordination, training of operators and collaboration with production, maintenance and engineering teams. You will work with DCS and process control systems, contribute to MOC processes and ensure compliance with

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering or Computer Science Engineering.
• Experience supporting and working with Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
• Experience with DeltaV is essential; DeltaV Live experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge of chemical process unit operations.
• Experience resolving manufacturing problems using computer hardware and software.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with process automation, PLCs, control systems and manufacturing information systems.
• Knowledge of process automation data historians, ideally PI Historian.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and project coordination abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, engineering teams and external service providers.
• Good communication skills, with proficiency in English and at least one additional official South African language.
• Proactive, investigative and solutions-focused approach with commitment to quality and safe practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to manufacturing operations for automation systems.
• Troubleshoot, program, maintain and integrate plant-wide automation systems including process control.
• Lead and support automation projects from requirements to commissioning and post-start-up support.
• Apply process dynamics to improve existing processes and meet objectives.
• Identify and implement improvements in cycle times, utility use, costs and safety interlocks.
• Assist with instrument fault-finding, maintenance planning and calibration.
• Develop and review functional specs, system requirements and process control documentation.
• Train operational personnel on automation systems and provide ongoing guidance.
• Assist with project scoping, costing, planning and scheduling with Engineering Manager.
• Coordinate contractors and service providers to ensure safety and quality.

Education

Chemical Engineering or Computer Science Engineering degree

Tools

DeltaV

PI Historian

Job description

What you will be doing

• Process Automation: Provide technical support to manufacturing operations, implement and modify automation systems, including DeltaV and PLC platforms, and support manufacturing computer systems.
• Control Systems: Troubleshoot, programme, maintain and integrate plant-wide automation systems, including process control systems and data historians, ideally PI Historian.
• Projects & Implementation: Lead and support automation projects from initial requirements and system design through implementation, commissioning, start-up and post-start-up support.
• Process Optimisation: Apply your understanding of chemical process dynamics to improve existing processes, enhance performance and meet manufacturing objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in cycle times, utility consumption, costs, control systems, safety interlocks and process risk reduction.
• Maintenance & Reliability: Assist with instrumentation fault-finding and repairs, preventative maintenance planning, equipment testing, calibration and maintaining accurate asset and critical spares registers.
• Technical Documentation: Develop and review functional specifications, system requirements, equipment performance specifications and process control documentation.
• Training & Support: Train operational personnel on automation systems and provide ongoing technical guidance to plant teams.
• Project Coordination: Assist with project scoping, costing, planning, scheduling and execution, working closely with the Engineering Manager.
• Contractor & Supplier Management: Coordinate contractors and service providers, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
• Safety & Compliance: Support Management of Change (MOC) processes, adhere to company procedures and statutory requirements, and promote a strong safety culture across the plant.

What You'll need

• A tertiary qualification in Chemical Engineering or Computer Science Engineering.
• Essential experience supporting and working with Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
• Experience with DeltaV is essential; DeltaV Live experience would be advantageous.
• A sound understanding of chemical process unit operations.
• Experience resolving manufacturing problems using computer hardware and software.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with process automation, PLCs, control systems and manufacturing information systems.
• Knowledge of process automation data historians, ideally PI Historian.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and project coordination abilities.
• The ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, engineering teams and external service providers.
• Good communication skills, with proficiency in English and at least one additional official South African language.
• A proactive, investigative and solutions-focused approach, with a commitment to quality, continuous improvement and safe working practices.

What is in it for you

• Remuneration: R50 000 p.m. (Depending on current and experience). Plus, additional travel allowance, including medical, provident, group life & Disability cover
• The opportunity to take ownership of critical process automation and control systems within a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to technically challenging projects involving process control, automation and manufacturing optimisation.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to improved plant performance, reliability, efficiency and safety.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering, maintenance and manufacturing teams.
• An opportunity to apply your technical expertise while contributing to ongoing process development and continuous improvement.

A few things to know

• The role forms part of the Maintenance and Engineering Department and reports to the Engineering Manager.
• The position supports automation systems across South African facilities, with frequent travel between sites.
• Call-outs may be required to support operational needs.
• The role combines hands-on technical troubleshooting with project implementation, preventative maintenance and process improvement.
• A strong commitment to health, safety, quality and responsible manufacturing practices is essential.