Process Control Engineer

AB InBev Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

AB InBev Africa in Pretoria seeks a hands-on Automation and Control Engineer to ensure sustained reliability of production systems, from PLC hardware to ERP interfaces. You will document, train staff, and drive improvements while coordinating with regional standards and vendor partners.

You will apply expertise in PLC programming, SCADA, and cybersecurity for OT to optimise process performance and maintain system integrity in a fast-paced beverage environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronic engineering or computer science.
• In-depth knowledge of process control and industrial automation.
• Experience in FMCG or beverages industries preferred.
• Specialization in Industrial Control & Automation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure reliability and stability of automation and control infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain system documentation for hardware and software.
• Train production staff on new systems and changes.
• Align system architecture with regional manufacturing standards.
• Support change management and provide after-hour support.
• Manage system uptime and vendor coordination for projects.

Skills

Instrumentation

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Cybersecurity OT

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Vendor management

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Industrial Control & Automation specialization

Tools

Wonderware Archistrat

Historian

InTouch SCADA

RS Batch

WinCC

Job description

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

The Key Purpose of this role is the responsibility for ensuring sustained reliability, integrity and stability of the Automation and Control Infrastructure whilst proactively enhancing and optimising these systems thereby improving Quality and/or efficiency of processes.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensuring the integrity and reliability of production systems software and hardware from PLC devices to ERP system
• Development and maintenance of all systems component's documentation as well as integrity thereof
• Coach, guide and assist with training of all production and manufacturing systems employees
• Assist with ensuring that the system architecture environment remains aligned with the regional manufacturing systems standards and beer division standards
• Improvement of software maintenance and fault-finding knowledge within Production
• Support change management process
• Assist with front-line support of production systems (including outside of normal working hours)
• Ensuring systems "Up Time" through liaison with users
• Scoping and controlling system changes by agreeing changes with users and users then training /coaching on new system functionality
• Managing process control standards, by ensuring that process/data integrity is aligned with divisional and regional risk management policy
• Optimising Process Performance, through appropriate Problem-Solving Techniques in order to improve performance
• Support the management of server health via implementation of good operating practices from global
• Facilitation, implementation and project management of automation and control systems projects to satisfy the requirements of production within budget and timelines
• Identify and motivate technical CAPIN justification
• Provide after hour support.

Key Attributes and Competencies

• Specialised knowledge of Instrument and Control calibrations, configurations, maintenance, fault finding, installation
• Understanding of standards, documentation standards and instrumentation protocols
• In-depth knowledge of Allen Bradley and Siemens PLC hardware (Mod icon for sites with this platform)
• In-depth knowledge in PLC programming using Siemens and Rockwell, added advantage if experienced in unity/concept.
• In-depth knowledge of PLC network topology and field topology including Devicente, ControlNet, Profibus/PA, Ethernet IP, ASI
• Working knowledge of wireless control networks and LAN
• Working knowledge of Ethernet, Network devices and servers
• In-depth knowledge of Wonderware’s Archistrat factory suite, Historian and InTouch SCADA, Top Server, RS Batch, WinCC, Zenon and scripting
• Good knowledge of Microsoft database management systems and SQL queries
• Good knowledge of reporting systems, specifically flow
• Working knowledge of hyper V, ability to troubleshoot and navigate
• Good knowledge of manufacturing server maintenance
• Knowledge and basic experience in Cybersecurity in OT
• Effective fault finding and problem-solving skills
• Team player with outstanding interpersonal skills
• Enquiring and analytical thinking ability
• A self-starter with high energy and a bias for action
• Knowledge of the brewing, utilities and packaging process would be an advantage
• Ability to effectively manage vendors
• Works well under pressure

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Electronics, Mechatronic Engineering or Computer Science
• In-depth knowledge of Process Control
• Specialization in Industrial Control & Automation Experience
• At least 3 years in industrial control and automation or completion of Control and Automation technical traineeship
• FMCG or beverages experience in industrial control and automation

Additional Information

• Band: VII

SAB is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with SAB employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional/relevant information as criteria for short-listing.