Control Systems Engineer - Power Generation

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Professional development

Stable work environment

Generous annual leave

Life insurance

Wellness programmes

Contribution to energy infrastructure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Control Systems Engineer for on-site work in Upington, Northern Cape, within South Africa's energy sector. You will design, program, and commission PLCs and DCS, develop control software, and lead maintenance and reliability initiatives to ensure safe power generation operations.

You will collaborate with process engineers and operators, implement robust safety and cybersecurity practices, and stay abreast of industrial automation advancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechatronics required.
• Minimum 5 years in control systems engineering in power/industrial sectors.
• Proven experience with PLC/DCS platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, DeltaV).
• Strong programming skills: Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA and industrial networking protocols.
• Knowledge of process control principles and instrumentation.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa; Pr Eng is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLCs and DCS for power plant operations.
• Develop and maintain control system software including logic, HMI, and alarms.
• Troubleshoot and perform root cause analysis of control system failures.
• Ensure reliability and availability through proactive maintenance.
• Collaborate with process engineers to optimise plant performance.
• Adhere to safety protocols and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.
• Specify and select hardware/software for upgrades and installations.
• Conduct training for operators and maintenance staff on control systems.
• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation and control tech.
• Manage small to medium-sized control system projects from inception to completion.

Skills

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

Function Block Diagram

HMI/SCADA

Industrial Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens SIMATIC

Rockwell PLC

Emerson DeltaV

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the **energy** generation sector, is seeking an experienced Control Systems Engineer to join their vital operations in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This hands‑on role is central to the design, implementation, and maintenance of sophisticated control systems that ensure the efficient and safe operation of power generation facilities. You will be integral to optimizing plant performance and reliability, contributing to the stable supply of electricity across the region. The position requires a dedicated individual to work on‑site at our **Upington, Northern Cape** facility, providing critical expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment. We are committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement in the **South African** energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for power plant operations.


• Develop and maintain control system software, including logic, HMI screens, and alarm management.


• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis of control system failures.


• Ensure the reliability and availability of control systems through proactive maintenance.


• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to optimise plant performance.


• Implement and adhere to stringent safety protocols and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.


• Specify and select appropriate hardware and software components for control system upgrades and new installations.


• Conduct technical training for operators and maintenance staff on control system functionality.


• Stay current with advancements in industrial automation and control technologies.


• Manage small to medium‑sized control system projects from inception to completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in control systems engineering, specifically within the power generation or heavy industrial sector.


• Proven experience with major PLC/DCS platforms (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson DeltaV).


• Strong programming skills in relevant languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram).


• Experience with HMI/SCADA software and industrial networking protocols.


• Solid understanding of process control principles and instrumentation.


• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting abilities.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills.


• Ability to work effectively on‑site and potentially during plant shutdowns or emergencies.


• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or eligible for registration with ECSA is an advantage.


• Must be legally permitted to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive annual salary of ** R**, commensurate with experience and qualifications.


• Employees receive comprehensive medical aid coverage and a substantial contribution to a retirement annuity fund.


• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company are abundant, including specialised training and project leadership roles.


• This position is based at our key facility in **Upington, Northern Cape**, offering a stable and engaging work environment.


• Additional benefits include generous annual leave, life insurance, and participation in company wellness programmes.


• Join a crucial part of **South Africa**'s **energy** infrastructure and contribute to reliable power generation.