About the Role
Our client, a forward-thinking industrial technology firm, is actively seeking a highly skilled Chemical Process Automation Engineer to join their distributed engineering team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced control systems for a diverse range of chemical processing plants. The role demands a deep understanding of process dynamics, automation technologies, and control strategies to optimize plant performance, enhance safety, and ensure operational efficiency. You will work on challenging projects that leverage cutting-edge automation solutions, collaborating virtually with a global team of experts. If you are passionate about driving operational excellence through intelligent automation and thrive in a remote-first environment, this opportunity is for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and commission Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) for chemical processes.
- Develop and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies to optimize throughput, quality, and energy consumption.
- Create and maintain control system logic, HMI/SCADA graphics, and alarm management systems.
- Perform root cause analysis on automation-related process upsets and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations for control systems.
- Collaborate remotely with site engineers, operations personnel, and project managers to define automation requirements and project scopes.
- Troubleshoot automation issues remotely using diagnostic tools and remote access capabilities.
- Develop and deliver technical documentation, including design specifications, functional design specifications (FDS), and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Stay updated on the latest advancements in automation technology and control strategies for the chemical industry.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on automation.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, implementing, and supporting process automation systems in the chemical or petrochemical industry.
- Proficiency with major DCS platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion) and PLC systems (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
- Experience with SCADA systems, HMI development, and alarm management best practices.
- Knowledge of advanced process control techniques and model predictive control (MPC) is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of chemical processes and their associated control requirements.
- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills, particularly in a remote setting.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote work environment.
- Strong communication skills for virtual collaboration with diverse teams.
Benefits
- This is a remote position offering the ultimate flexibility.
- Our client provides a competitive salary.
- comprehensive health benefits.
- a retirement savings plan.
- We invest in our remote employees' growth through online training programs, virtual conferences, and opportunities for professional certification.
- You will have the autonomy to manage your workday while contributing to impactful projects across various industries.
This role is ideal for experienced automation engineers seeking a remote-first career opportunity, allowing you to work from your preferred location in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal or elsewhere in South Africa.