Control Systems Engineer - Chemical

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & incentives

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Specialized training in control & 1.9

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a specialized Control Systems Engineer to design, implement, and maintain advanced control strategies for chemical processes at an on-site Soweto facility. You will work with chemical engineers and operations staff to refine control systems and ensure safety and efficiency.

The role requires hands-on experience with DCS/PLC platforms, strong control theory knowledge, and a track record of delivering reliable, safe automation in complex environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in process control engineering, preferably in chemical industry.
• Proficiency with DCS and PLC platforms from major vendors.
• Strong understanding of control theory, instrumentation, and chemical process dynamics.
• Experience with advanced control strategies (e.g., Model Predictive Control) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively on site in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement DCS and PLCs for chemical processes.
• Develop and optimize APC strategies to improve yield, quality, and energy efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to process control hardware, software, and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers to define control objectives and develop control schemes.
• Ensure reliability and safety of control systems through testing, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and recommend improvements.

Skills

DCS/PLC proficiency

Model Predictive Control

Process control theory

Instrumentation

Team collaboration on site

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS platforms

PLC platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a specialized Control Systems Engineer with a focus on chemical processes to join their operations team in Soweto . This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced process control strategies to optimize plant performance, ensure safety, and improve efficiency. You will work closely with chemical engineers and operations personnel to develop and refine control systems for complex chemical manufacturing environments. This position requires hands-on expertise and a deep understanding of automation within an on-site industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for chemical processes.
• Develop and optimize advanced process control (APC) strategies to improve yield, quality, and energy efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to process control hardware, software, and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers to define control objectives and develop effective control schemes.
• Ensure the reliability and safety of control systems through regular testing, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Stay current with advancements in automation technology and recommend improvements to existing systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering , Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process control engineering, preferably within the chemical industry.
• Proficiency with DCS and PLC platforms from major vendors.
• Strong understanding of control theory, instrumentation, and chemical process dynamics.
• Experience with advanced control strategies (e.g., Model Predictive Control) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a team on site .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for specialized training in control systems and automation.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• A collaborative work environment focused on technological advancement and operational excellence.