Process Control Engineer - Automation & Optimization

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 on behalf of a prominent downstream Oil & Gas entity seeks a Process Control Engineer in East London to design, implement and maintain APC strategies across refining operations. You will develop control narratives and tune controllers to optimize performance, collaborating with operations and technical teams to identify and fix control deficiencies.

You will work hands-on with DCS and PLC platforms, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and stay current with new automation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years in process control engineering within Oil & Gas or petrochemicals.
• Hands-on experience with DCS/PLC platforms and loop tuning.
• Knowledge of APC techniques and control system safety concepts.
• Ability to work on-site in East London, Eastern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and commission APC strategies for process plants.
• Develop control narratives and logic diagrams for control systems.
• Configure and troubleshoot DCS and PLC platforms.
• Tune loops to optimize stability and efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis for control system issues.
• Collaborate with engineers and operators to meet process requirements.
• Maintain control system documentation and safety compliance.
• Contribute to HAZOP studies and safety reviews.

Skills

Process control

DCS

PLC programming

APC techniques

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the downstream Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a diligent Process Control Engineer to enhance their operations in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced process control strategies to optimize plant performance, ensure safety, and improve product quality. You will work closely with operations and technical teams to identify control deficiencies and develop innovative solutions using distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The position requires a hands-on approach within our operational environment. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of our refining processes, contributing directly to our competitive edge in the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and commission advanced process control (APC) strategies.
• Develop and maintain control narratives, logic diagrams, and cause & effect matrices.
• Configure and troubleshoot Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Optimize control loops and tuning parameters to improve process stability and efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis for control system failures and operational upsets.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operators to understand process requirements and implement effective control solutions.
• Develop and maintain instrumentation and control system documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations related to process control.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and provide input on control system safety aspects.
• Stay updated on new technologies in process automation and control.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process control engineering, preferably within the Oil & Gas or petrochemical industry.
• Hands-on experience with DCS (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV) and PLC platforms.
• Knowledge of control theory, loop tuning, and APC techniques.
• Familiarity with process simulation software and instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in an industrial environment.
• Understanding of safety instrumented systems (SIS) is a plus.
• Must be willing to work on-site in East London, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. Opportunities for professional development and specialized training in process control and automation are provided. You will be part of a key industrial facility in East London , contributing to the critical downstream Oil & Gas operations in the region. The company fosters a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement.