Junior Process Control Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension fund

Structured training program

Mentorship opportunities

Advancement opportunities

Exposure to diverse automation tech

Paid time off

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Mahikeng, North West, seeks a Junior Process Control Engineer to join the operations team. This entry-level role targets graduates or 1–3 years of experience, focusing on PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, and instrumentation to improve plant efficiency.

You will work with senior engineers, assist in design and maintenance of control systems, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives with a structured training program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• 0–3 years of experience in industrial process control or automation.
• Basic PLC programming knowledge (Siemens, Rockwell).
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control theory.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work on the plant floor and adapt to manufacturing schedules.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, configuration, and implementation of process control systems (PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI).
• Develop and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text.
• Configure and maintain HMI and SCADA systems.
• Install, calibrate, and maintain industrial instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, actuators).
• Participate in commissioning and startup of new control systems and equipment.
• Support existing control systems, diagnosing and resolving issues.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to optimize process performance.
• Contribute to control system documentation (P&IDs, logic diagrams, manuals).
• Adhere to safety procedures and company policies; stay updated with control tech.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Plant floor readiness

Education

Electrical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is actively seeking a motivated and eager Junior Process Control Engineer to join their operations team in Mahikeng, North West . This entry-level position is ideal for a recent graduate or an engineer with 1-3 years of experience looking to build a strong foundation in industrial automation and control systems. You will work closely with senior engineers and technicians to design, implement, and maintain control systems for our manufacturing processes. This role requires a hands-on approach and a passion for optimizing plant efficiency and reliability. You will gain invaluable experience in PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, and instrumentation. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring smooth production flow, troubleshooting control system issues, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. This is a fantastic opportunity to launch your career in a dynamic industrial environment, where you will be mentored by industry experts and have the chance to make a real difference. We are committed to providing a comprehensive training program that will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this role and grow within our organization. Your contribution will be vital to our ongoing success and operational excellence in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, configuration, and implementation of process control systems (PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI).
• Develop and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text.
• Configure and maintain Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Install, calibrate, and maintain various industrial instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, actuators).
• Participate in the commissioning and startup of new control systems and equipment.
• Support existing control systems, diagnosing and resolving operational issues.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to optimize process performance.
• Contribute to the development of control system documentation, including P&IDs, logic diagrams, and manuals.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and company policies during work execution.
• Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with emerging control technologies and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• 0-3 years of experience in industrial process control or automation.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Familiarity with industrial instrumentation and control theory.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work on the plant floor and adapt to manufacturing schedules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards is a plus.
• Must be legally eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary with regular performance reviews.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Pension fund contribution.
• Structured training program and mentorship opportunities.
• Opportunities for advancement within the company.
• Exposure to diverse industrial automation technologies.
• Paid time off and public holidays.