Control Systems Chemical Engineer

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, South Africa, seeks a Control Systems Chemical Engineer to optimize automation and control systems in its chemical plants. You will design, implement, and maintain DCS/PLC/SCADA systems to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality.

Join a hands-on role focusing on troubleshooting, process modeling, and collaboration with operations to deploy robust automation strategies and ensure compliant, secure control environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years in process control, automation, or instrumentation in chemical/processing.
• Proficiency with DCS and PLC systems.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and control theory.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain advanced process control strategies (DCS/PLC/SCADA).
• Optimize control loops and process parameters to improve efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoot issues with control hardware, software, and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with operations to identify automation improvement opportunities.
• Develop automation documentation including P&IDs, narratives, and diagrams.
• Ensure safety and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.

Skills

Process control

Industrial automation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Related field

Tools

DCS

PLC

Process simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a specialized Control Systems Chemical Engineer to optimize and manage the automation and control systems within their chemical processing plants in Queenstown . This role is vital for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and product quality through advanced automation strategies. You will work with state-of-the-art control technologies, troubleshoot complex automation issues, and implement improvements to enhance plant performance. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong technical skills in both chemical engineering and industrial automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain advanced process control strategies and systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA).
• Optimize control loops and process parameters to improve efficiency, product consistency, and reduce energy consumption.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to process control hardware, software, and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to identify opportunities for automation improvements.
• Develop and manage automation project documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and logic diagrams.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering , Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in process control, automation, or instrumentation within the chemical or process industry.
• Proficiency with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and control theory.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for training and certification in advanced control systems.
• Stable employment with a leading industrial company.
• Work with cutting‑edge automation technology.
• A supportive team environment focused on operational excellence.