Process Control & Development Automation Engineer

Staff Solutions; Middelburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled engineer to enhance process performance through innovative solutions. The role involves identifying problem areas, analyzing contributory causes, and implementing corrective actions to improve quality and efficiency in manufacturing processes. You will work with advanced modeling and control systems, utilizing your expertise in software development and engineering principles. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, where your problem-solving skills will be highly valued. Join a team dedicated to continuous improvement and engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• BEng in relevant engineering field or Computer Science required.
• Experience in software development for engineering control systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Identify and solve problems to improve performance based on KPIs.
• Implement solutions for process and product development in collaboration with departments.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Software development (C, C++, C#, Visual Basic)

Knowledge of control systems

Creative thinking

Education

BEng in Electrical, Electronic, Metallurgical or Mechanical Engineering

Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Finite element heat transfer modelling

Artificial intelligence for model calibration

Expert system for process optimisation

Job description

• Identify problem areas requiring improvement as directed by business KPI’s
• Quantify the underlying contributory causes to the problems
• Study the problem at the hand of the contributory causes and propose solutions
• Sustain and continuously improve performance through the automated systems and processes.
• Plan, direct and co-ordinate hot rolling process improvements linked to PC&D systems to improve quality, efficiency and availability.
• Investigate all modelling and control system failures and associated deviations to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Implement solutions to assist with process and product development in association with Level 1 or 2, Technical and Production departments through consultation with other disciplines / departments.
• Maintain and develop the following systems :
• Heat transfer modelling (finite element heat transfer Level 2 model) and combustion systems (Level 1).
• Rolling modelling (Level 2) : Speed, temperature, forces, torques and flatness control models (including neural network).
• Level 1 thickness, flatness, strip cooling and coiling mostly feedback control systems.
• Expert System for continuous process parameter optimisation of the heating and rolling processes (including Fuzzy Logic).
• Weekly standby on a rotational basis with the other PC&D team members.
• Ensure compliance with the goals as defined in KPIs.
• Identify problems, investigate solutions and solve problems in order to achieve those goals.
• Constantly co-ordinate process deviations with all relevant parties.
• React and correct all substandard process conditions.

Job Requirements :

• BEng (Electrical, Electronic, Metallurgical or Mechanical) or Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in Software development (C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, etc), specifically in the engineering control software field.
• Knowledge of Level 2 type first principle models for heating and rolling technology.
• Knowledge of how these Level 2 models are automatically calibrated using artificial intelligence or other simpler methods.
• Knowledge of control systems and instrumentation is a plus.
• Creative and strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment is a plus.
• Enjoys working in the field of engineering solution development.