Process Control Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Professional development and certs

Relocation assistance

Access to modern automation tech

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Control Engineer for a Stellenbosch role focused on optimizing plant operations with advanced control strategies and automation. The engineer will design, implement, and maintain DCS/PLC-driven control systems to ensure process stability, efficiency, and safety.

You will work with chemical engineers and operations staff to develop robust control solutions, tune loops, and stay current with new technologies while adhering to safety and cybersecurity standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field with emphasis on control systems.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process control engineering in manufacturing or chemical processing.
• Proficiency with DCS and PLC systems from major vendors (Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens).
• Strong understanding of control theory, PID and MPC.
• Experience with industrial instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, valves).
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols (Modbus, Profibus).

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement advanced process control strategies using DCS/PLC systems.
• Develop and maintain control system architecture including instrumentation and communication networks.
• Tune control loops to optimize stability, responsiveness, and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot control systems, instrumentation, and automation hardware/software.
• Collaborate with engineers and operations to meet process requirements.
• Create test plans for control system implementations and upgrades.
• Prepare technical documentation such as control narratives and loop diagrams.

Skills

Process control

DCS/PLC systems

PID control

MPC

Instrumentation

Networking protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Honeywell DCS

Emerson PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic manufacturing company with a strong presence in specialty chemicals, is looking for a skilled Process Control Engineer to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is central to optimizing plant operations through advanced control strategies and automation. The Process Control Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated control systems to ensure process stability, efficiency, and safety. We seek an individual with a deep understanding of control theory, instrumentation, and distributed control systems (DCS), coupled with practical experience in industrial automation. This position offers a significant opportunity to impact plant performance through cutting-edge control solutions in a technologically advanced setting. The role requires close collaboration with operations and engineering departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement advanced process control strategies using DCS and PLC systems.
• Develop and maintain control system architecture, including instrumentation selection, signal wiring, and communication networks.
• Tune control loops to optimize process performance, ensuring stability, responsiveness, and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to process control systems, instrumentation, and automation hardware/software.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers and operations personnel to understand process requirements and develop effective control solutions.
• Develop and execute test plans for control system implementation and upgrades.
• Prepare technical documentation, including control narratives, loop diagrams, and system manuals.
• Stay abreast of new technologies in process control and automation, evaluating their potential application.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.
• Provide training and support to operations and maintenance staff on control system functionalities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on control systems.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in process control engineering within a manufacturing or chemical processing environment.
• Proficiency with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) from major vendors (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens).
• Strong understanding of control theory, PID control, and advanced control techniques (e.g., MPC).
• Experience with industrial instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, control valves).
• Knowledge of networking protocols used in industrial automation (e.g., Modbus, Profibus).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical schematics.
• Experience in the food & beverage or specialty chemical sectors is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications in control systems.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates moving to Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• Access to modern automation technologies and a progressive work environment.