Control Systems Engineer - Chemical Plant Automation

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Training and certification in control系

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Control Systems Engineer to enhance automation and efficiency at their Benoni, Gauteng facility. You will design, implement, and maintain advanced control systems for chemical processes, collaborating with process engineers and operations to ensure safe, reliable performance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial automation, with strong experience in DCS/PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, and instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in control systems engineering, preferably in chemical/process industries.
• Proficient in major DCS platforms (Honeywell Experion, DeltaV) and PLC brands (Siemens, Rockwell).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (Wonderware, Ignition).
• Knowledge of instrumentation, sensors, transmitters and control valves; familiarity with Modbus/Profibus/Ethernet/IP.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission DCS/PLCs.
• Develop and maintain HMIs/SCADA systems for plant monitoring.
• Troubleshoot control systems, instrumentation, and automation hardware/software.
• Define control strategies with process engineers; implement APC where applicable.
• Create and maintain control system documentation (logic diagrams, P&IDs).
• Ensure cybersecurity best practices for control systems and provide operator training.

Skills

DCS programming

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Process control

Instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Chemical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

Wonderware/SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical manufacturer, is seeking a skilled Control Systems Engineer to enhance the automation and efficiency of their plant operations in Benoni, Gauteng. This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining the sophisticated control systems that govern their complex chemical processes. You will work closely with process engineers and operations teams to ensure reliable, safe, and optimized plant performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, PLC/DCS programming, and a solid understanding of chemical plant operations. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with advanced technologies and contribute directly to operational excellence in a key industrial region. The role is based at our client's facility in Benoni, Gauteng, offering a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).


• Develop and maintain Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and SCADA systems for plant monitoring and control.


• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with control systems, instrumentation, and automation hardware/software.


• Collaborate with process engineers to define control strategies and ensure effective implementation.


• Implement advanced process control (APC) strategies to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.


• Perform root cause analysis for control system failures and implement preventative measures.


• Develop and maintain control system documentation, including logic diagrams, network configurations, and P&IDs.


• Ensure compliance with industry standards and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.


• Provide technical support and training to plant operators and maintenance personnel.


• Participate in new project design and engineering, ensuring automation requirements are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in control systems engineering, preferably in a chemical or process industry environment.


• Proficiency in programming and configuring major DCS platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV) and PLC brands (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell).


• Experience with HMI/SCADA software (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition).


• Understanding of process instrumentation, including sensors, transmitters, and control valves.


• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.


• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and able to work on-site in Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive medical aid plan.


• Retirement fund contributions.


• Generous annual leave.


• Opportunities for advanced training and certification in control system technologies.


• Exposure to cutting-edge automation projects.


• A hybrid work model offering flexibility, based in Benoni, Gauteng.