Process Control Systems Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonus

External training & certifications

Paid leave entitlements

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Process Control Systems Engineer to design, implement, and maintain advanced control strategies for chemical plants. You will configure DCS/PLC systems (DeltaV, Experion; Rockwell, Siemens), develop documentation, and collaborate with process engineers to optimize performance, safety, and energy efficiency.

The role requires a chemical or electrical engineering degree and 4+ years of experience in process control within an industrial setting, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control strategies for chemical plants.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Develop and maintain control system documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and loop diagrams.
• Work closely with process engineers and operators to identify control system requirements and implement solutions.
• Perform root cause analysis for process upsets related to control system failures or performance issues.
• Optimize control loops to improve process stability, product quality, and energy efficiency.
• Develop and implement alarm management strategies to enhance operator awareness and response.
• Provide technical support for control system hardware and software upgrades.
• Ensure control systems comply with all relevant safety and regulatory standards.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in process control technology and automation.

Skills

Control theory

PID control

Advanced control techniques

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Honeywell Experion

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

OPC

Modbus

Profibus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is actively recruiting for a skilled Process Control Systems Engineer to join their growing operations based near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced control systems that ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our complex manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of control theory, industrial automation, and a proven ability to optimize process performance through sophisticated control strategies. This is an excellent opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control strategies for chemical plants.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Develop and maintain control system documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and loop diagrams.
• Work closely with process engineers and operators to identify control system requirements and implement solutions.
• Perform root cause analysis for process upsets related to control system failures or performance issues.
• Optimize control loops to improve process stability, product quality, and energy efficiency.
• Develop and implement alarm management strategies to enhance operator awareness and response.
• Provide technical support for control system hardware and software upgrades.
• Ensure control systems comply with all relevant safety and regulatory standards.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in process control technology and automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process control engineering within a chemical or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with major DCS platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion) and PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
• Strong understanding of control theory, PID control, and advanced control techniques.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC, Modbus, Profibus).
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools for control system design and testing is beneficial.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive health insurance plan, and a generous retirement fund contribution.
• Performance-based bonuses are awarded, and opportunities for professional development, including external training and certifications, are readily available.
• The role offers a good work-life balance with standard working hours and paid leave entitlements.
• This position in the vicinity of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , provides a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a dynamic industrial hub.