Remote Chemical Engineer: Process Automation & MPC Expert

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Engineer specializing in process automation to design and optimize advanced control systems for complex chemical processes on a fully remote team.

You will implement DCS/PLC projects, develop control architectures, and ensure cybersecure automation while collaborating with an international client base. A strong background in APC, process dynamics, and simulation is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering with a strong chemical process focus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process automation, control engineering, and DCS/PLC programming.
• Proven expertise in advanced process control (APC) techniques.
• Strong understanding of chemical process principles, dynamics, and unit operations.
• Experience with major DCS/PLC platforms (Siemens, Rockwell, Emerson DeltaV).
• Experience with simulation software (MATLAB/Simulink, Aspen Plus Dynamics).
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with ability to work remotely in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop APC strategies, including model predictive control (MPC).
• Implement and commission DCS and PLC systems.
• Configure and optimize process instrumentation and control loops.
• Develop P&IDs, control narratives, and system architecture documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to process control systems and automation hardware/software.
• Collaborate with plant engineers, operations, and IT to integrate automation solutions.
• Conduct process modeling and simulation to test control strategies.
• Ensure cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems.

Skills

Process automation

DCS/PLC programming

APC techniques

Python scripting

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in ChemicalEngineering or Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Aspen Plus Dynamics

Siemens

Rockwell

Emerson DeltaV

Job description

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Engineer specializing in process automation to design and optimize advanced control systems for complex chemical processes on a fully remote team.

You will implement DCS/PLC projects, develop control architectures, and ensure cybersecure automation while collaborating with an international client base. A strong background in APC, process dynamics, and simulation is essential.