Remote Chemical Process Automation Specialist

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,240,000 - 1,791,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Remote-first culture

Contractor-friendly terms

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Chemical Process Automation Specialist to join our client, a global leader in chemical solutions. This fully remote role focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing automation strategies across multiple sites.

You will develop APC strategies, configure PLC/DCS systems, and provide remote troubleshooting while collaborating with distributed teams. A strong background in chemical engineering and control systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in chemical process automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven expertise with major DCS platforms (DeltaV, PCS 7) and PLC programming (Studio 5000, TIA Portal).
• Strong understanding of control theory, instrumentation, and industrial networking.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy automation solutions for chemical processes, including PLC and DCS systems.
• Develop and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies to optimize plant performance.
• Provide remote support for troubleshooting automation and control system issues.
• Collaborate with on-site engineering teams to define automation requirements and project scopes.
• Develop and maintain automation system documentation, including logic diagrams, P&IDs, and user manuals.
• Oversee the integration of new automation technologies and software updates.
• Conduct remote process analysis and identify opportunities for automation-driven improvements.
• Ensure automation systems comply with industry standards and cybersecurity best practices.
• Train and support remote and on-site personnel on automation system operations.
• Manage automation projects from conception through to successful implementation and handover.

Skills

Automation design

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens PCS 7

Rockwell Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced chemical solutions, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Remote Chemical Process Automation Specialist. This fully remote position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to critical projects that drive efficiency and innovation in our client's chemical manufacturing operations. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and optimizing automation strategies, enhancing process control, and ensuring seamless integration of digital technologies across various sites. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to leverage their expertise in automation and process engineering in a flexible, remote-first work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and deploy automation solutions for chemical processes, including PLC and DCS systems.
• Develop and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies to optimize plant performance.
• Provide remote support for troubleshooting automation and control system issues.
• Collaborate with on-site engineering teams to define automation requirements and project scopes.
• Develop and maintain automation system documentation, including logic diagrams, P&IDs, and user manuals.
• Oversee the integration of new automation technologies and software updates.
• Conduct remote process analysis and identify opportunities for automation-driven improvements.
• Ensure automation systems comply with industry standards and cybersecurity best practices.
• Train and support remote and on-site personnel on automation system operations.
• Manage automation projects from conception through to successful implementation and handover.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical process automation and control systems engineering.
• Proven expertise with major DCS platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS 7) and PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal).
• Strong understanding of control theory, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Experience with Advanced Process Control (APC), simulation, and data analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects remotely.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, adept at working with distributed teams.
• Must have reliable high-speed internet access and a suitable home office environment.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely for a **South African**-based company or possess the necessary work permits if working from another jurisdiction.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive contractor rate, significant flexibility with a fully remote work arrangement, and the opportunity to work on challenging, high-impact projects.
• You will be part of a forward-thinking organization that embraces remote work culture and invests in its contractors' success.
• This position is exclusively remote, with no requirement for on-site presence in **Benoni, Gauteng**.