Process Control & Development Automation Engineer

Staff Solutions Recruitment; Middelburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Process Controls & Development Automation Engineer to enhance their dynamic team in Middelburg. This role involves identifying and solving process improvement challenges, implementing automation solutions, and maintaining advanced modeling systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, particularly in software development and control systems, and will thrive in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement. Join a forward-thinking company where your expertise will drive innovation and operational excellence.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Identify and solve process improvement problems linked to business KPIs.
• Implement solutions for process and product development in collaboration with other departments.
• Maintain and develop heat transfer and rolling modeling systems.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

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

Knowledge of control systems and instrumentation

Creative thinking

Education

BEng (Electrical, Electronic, Metallurgical or Mechanical)

Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Finite element heat transfer modeling

Neural network models

Fuzzy Logic for process optimization

Job description

Opportunity Available!! Our leading client in the Manufacturing Sector is looking to employ a Process Controls & Development Automation Engineer to join their dynamic team in Middelburg.

POSITION INFO : 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 problem 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.