Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Hybrid work arrangements

Professional development and training

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineer for our Bloemfontein client. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced control systems and instrumentation across industrial processes.

The ideal candidate has a strong electrical engineering foundation, process control knowledge, and hands-on PLC/DCS/SCADA experience. This position offers hybrid work and opportunities to work with cutting-edge automation technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, chemical engineering or related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in instrumentation and control systems in an industrial setting.
• Proficiency with PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens) and SCADA/HMI development.
• Experience with DCS configuration is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of process control, loop tuning, and SIS.
• Ability to read P&IDs and electrical schematics.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement instrumentation and control systems for industrial processes.
• Configure and program PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems.
• Select instrumentation based on process requirements and environment.
• Develop control strategies and algorithms to optimize performance, safety, and efficiency.
• Perform commissioning, calibration, and troubleshooting of control loops.
• Collaborate with plant engineers and operators to identify needs and implement solutions.
• Develop and maintain system documentation (P&IDs, wiring diagrams, logic diagrams, C&E matrices).
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Stay updated on advancements in automation technology, sensors and control systems.

Skills

Process control theory

Troubleshooting skills

Reading P&IDs

Team collaboration

Strong communication

SIS - safety instrumented systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Related field

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

DCS configuration

SCADA/HMI development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial automation and process control, is seeking a skilled Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineer to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated control systems and instrumentation across various industrial applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in electrical engineering, process control theory, and hands‑on experience with PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems. You will be instrumental in ensuring optimal plant performance, safety, and efficiency through precise instrumentation and robust control strategies. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with advanced technologies and contribute to critical industrial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement instrumentation and control systems for industrial processes.
• Configure and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Select appropriate instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, control valves) based on process requirements and environmental conditions.
• Develop control strategies and algorithms to optimize process performance, safety, and efficiency.
• Perform system commissioning, calibration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and control loops.
• Collaborate with plant engineers and operators to identify control system needs and implement solutions.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including P&IDs, wiring diagrams, logic diagrams, and cause & effect matrices.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in automation technology, sensors, and control systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in instrumentation and control systems engineering in an industrial environment.
• Proficiency with PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) and SCADA/HMI development.
• Experience with DCS configuration and implementation is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of process control principles, loop tuning, and safety instrumented systems (SIS).
• Familiarity with various types of industrial instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level).
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control logic.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and training.
• Generous paid time off.
• Hybrid work arrangements offering flexibility for system design and remote monitoring capabilities in Bloemfontein .
• Exposure to diverse industrial automation projects.
• Supportive and collaborative engineering team.
• Potential for advancement within the company.
• Employee wellness programs.