Lead Chemical Process Automation Engineer

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 2,001,000 - 3,001,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemical Process Automation Engineer for a fully remote position. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced process control and automation systems for chemical facilities.

You will lead projects, mentor a team of engineers, and collaborate with clients to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and product quality. A deep understanding of chemical processes with DCS/PLC/SCADA expertise is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on automation.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process automation engineering, with significant experience in the chemical industry.
• Proven experience in leading automation projects from design through commissioning.
• Expertise in multiple DCS platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS 7) and PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and unit operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of process automation systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA) for chemical plants.
• Develop control strategies, algorithms, and logic for complex chemical processes.
• Oversee the configuration, testing, and commissioning of automation hardware and software.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineering teams.
• Collaborate with clients and internal project teams to define automation requirements and scope.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues to minimize downtime.
• Ensure automation systems comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process automation and control technologies.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including P&IDs, functional specifications, and programming standards.

Skills

DCS/PLC/SCADA expertise

Lead automation projects

Chemical engineering background

Remote team leadership

HMI & historian databases

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical/Electrical Eng with automation

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens PCS 7

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced manufacturing solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Chemical Process Automation Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is critical in designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced process control and automation systems for chemical manufacturing facilities. You will lead projects, mentor a team of engineers, and collaborate with clients to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of chemical processes combined with expertise in automation technologies, DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems. As a remote-first role, you will have the autonomy to manage your work and collaborate effectively with distributed teams across the globe.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of process automation systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA) for chemical plants.
• Develop control strategies, algorithms, and logic for complex chemical processes.
• Oversee the configuration, testing, and commissioning of automation hardware and software.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to automation engineering teams.
• Collaborate with clients and internal project teams to define automation requirements and scope.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues to minimize downtime.
• Ensure automation systems comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process automation and control technologies.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including P&IDs, functional specifications, and programming standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on automation.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process automation engineering, with significant experience in the chemical industry.
• Proven experience in leading automation projects from design through commissioning.
• Expertise in multiple DCS platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS 7) and PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and unit operations.
• Experience with SCADA systems, HMI development, and historian databases.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage projects, resources, and stakeholders effectively in a remote environment.
• Experience with advanced process control (APC) techniques is highly desirable.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely within South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical coverage, retirement planning, and generous performance bonuses. We are committed to fostering professional growth through continuous learning, advanced training opportunities, and exposure to challenging global projects. This remote position provides significant flexibility and work-life balance. Join a leading organization at the forefront of industrial automation and drive innovation in chemical process control from wherever you are.