Process Control Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Remote work option

Professional development

Premium software

Innovative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Process Control Chemical Engineer to join our innovative team. This remote role within South Africa focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced process control strategies to improve efficiency, stability, and safety in chemical manufacturing.

You will leverage control theory, instrumentation, and automation to develop sophisticated control systems that drive plant performance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in process control
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process control engineering within chemical/process industries
• Strong knowledge of PID, MPC, DCS/PLC systems
• Experience with Aspen Plus and HYSYS for process modeling
• Remote work capability and ability to manage projects independently
• Strong communication for virtual teams and cross-functional collaboration

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement APC strategies for chemical plants
• Tune control loops to improve stability, response time, and product quality
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for control system testing and optimization
• Specify and select instrumentation and control hardware
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues remotely
• Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to identify control system improvements
• Maintain process control documentation (P&IDs, control narratives, loop diagrams)
• Stay abreast of new technologies in process automation and digital manufacturing
• Provide remote technical support and training on control systems
• Analyze process data to evaluate effectiveness of control strategies

Skills

PID control

Model predictive control

DCS/PLC

Process modeling

Statistical SPC

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking a highly skilled Process Control Chemical Engineer to join their innovative team, working remotely from anywhere within South Africa. This role focuses on the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced process control strategies to enhance efficiency, stability, and safety in chemical manufacturing. You will leverage your expertise in control theory, instrumentation, and automation to develop sophisticated control systems that drive optimal plant performance. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer who excels in a remote setting, enjoys tackling complex technical challenges, and is passionate about leveraging technology to achieve operational excellence. Your contributions will directly impact the efficiency and reliability of our client's manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies for chemical plants.
• Tune existing control loops to improve stability, response time, and product quality.
• Develop and maintain process simulation models for control system testing and optimization.
• Specify and select appropriate instrumentation and control hardware.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues remotely.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to identify opportunities for control system improvements.
• Develop and maintain process control documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and loop diagrams.
• Stay abreast of new technologies in process automation, instrumentation, and digital manufacturing.
• Provide remote technical support and training on process control systems.
• Analyze process data to evaluate the effectiveness of control strategies and identify areas for enhancement.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in process control or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process control engineering within the chemical or process industries.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of control systems, including PID control, model predictive control (MPC), and DCS/PLC systems.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and control system modeling tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for virtual team interaction.
• Experience with data analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
• Familiarity with relevant instrumentation and automation technologies.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to achieving results.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Flexible remote work arrangement.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in control technologies.
• Access to cutting-edge simulation and control software.
• Engaging projects focused on optimizing complex chemical processes.
• A company culture that values innovation and technical expertise.