Process Control & Automation Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Specialized training & certifications

Generous annual leave

Modern automation technologies

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Control & Automation Engineer to join our client’s team in Mahikeng, North West. You will design, implement, and maintain advanced control systems for chemical processing facilities, optimizing performance, efficiency, and product quality.

The ideal candidate has a chemical or electrical engineering background, 5+ years in process control, and hands-on experience with DCS (Honeywell Experion, DeltaV), PLCs (Rockwell, Siemens), and SCADA/HMI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical or electrical engineering with a focus on control systems.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in process control and automation in manufacturing.
• Proven experience with DCS and PLC programming (Honeywell/DeltaV, Rockwell, Siemens).
• Knowledge of SIS, IEC 61511, and instrumentation fundamentals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control strategies (PID, MPC) for chemical processes.
• Configure, program, commission DCS/PLCs and SCADA systems.
• Specify and integrate industrial instrumentation and sensors.
• Develop automation software, including HMI screens and alarm management.
• Troubleshoot control system issues and optimize loops for stability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with process engineers to translate requirements into designs.
• Ensure safety compliance and participate in PHAs from SIS perspective.
• Provide training to operations and maintenance on control systems.

Skills

PID control

MPC

DCS programming

PLC programming

SCADA

HMI development

SIS knowledge

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Eng or Electrical Eng with control focus

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

SCADA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation, is seeking a skilled Process Control & Automation Engineer to join their team in Mahikeng, North West . This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated control systems and automation solutions for our chemical processing facilities. You will be responsible for optimizing process performance, improving efficiency, ensuring product quality, and enhancing operational safety through advanced control strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, combined with in-depth knowledge of control theory, PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and industrial instrumentation. You will collaborate closely with process engineers, operations teams, and maintenance personnel to develop and deploy robust automation solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the modernization of our manufacturing capabilities in the Mahikeng, North West region. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control strategies (e.g., PID, MPC) for chemical processes.
• Configure, program, and commission Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and SCADA systems.
• Specify, select, and integrate industrial instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, control valves).
• Develop and maintain automation software, including logic diagrams, HMI screens, and alarm management systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to control systems, instrumentation, and automation hardware/software.
• Collaborate with process engineers to understand process requirements and translate them into control system designs.
• Optimize existing control loops and automation sequences to improve process stability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and industry standards related to control systems and automation.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) from an automation and safety instrumented systems (SIS) perspective.
• Develop and deliver training to operations and maintenance personnel on control systems and automation.
• Stay current with new developments in process control technology and automation solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on control systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process control and automation engineering, preferably in a chemical or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with DCS (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV) and PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
• Strong understanding of control theory, process dynamics, and instrumentation.
• Experience with SCADA systems and HMI development.
• Knowledge of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and functional safety standards (IEC 61511) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting complex control system issues.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with network protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus) is a plus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional certifications in automation technologies.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Exposure to modern automation technologies and challenging projects in Mahikeng, North West.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on technological advancement.
• Potential for career growth into lead automation or specialized engineering roles.