Remote Process Automation Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,969,000 - 2,461,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Home office allowance

Global project exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is expanding its remote engineering capabilities and seeks a Remote Process Automation Engineer to design, implement, and support advanced automation solutions for chemical manufacturing clients worldwide. The role emphasizes DCS, PLC, and SCADA expertise, APC strategies, and strong remote collaboration across time zones.

You will work independently from a home office, collaborating virtually with global teams and clients to optimize process safety, reliability, and performance

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 5 years' experience in process automation engineering in chemical/manufacturing industries.
• Experience with major DCS platforms and PLC systems as listed.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus TCP networking.
• Experience with SCADA configuration and HMI development.
• Excellent remote communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and commission DCS, PLC, and HMI/SCADA systems for chemical processes.
• Develop and implement APC strategies to optimize plant performance.
• Create and maintain automation project documentation (FDS, diagrams, networks).
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshoot automation systems.
• Collaborate with clients' engineering and operations teams virtually.
• Stay updated on latest automation technologies and trends.
• Develop and deliver virtual training sessions on automation systems.
• Participate in virtual project meetings to ensure alignment with goals.
• Contribute to standardized automation platforms and best practices for remote deployment.
• Ensure cybersecurity best practices within automation systems.

Skills

Remote collaboration

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Independent work

Distributed teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens PCS 7

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens S7

SCADA

HMI development

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Modbus TCP

MS Teams

Zoom

Slack

Job description

About the Role

Our client is expanding its remote engineering capabilities and is looking for a skilled Remote Process Automation Engineer to join their forward-thinking team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to innovative projects from the comfort of your home office. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and support of advanced process control systems and automation solutions for various chemical manufacturing clients globally. This role requires a proactive individual with excellent remote collaboration skills and a deep understanding of distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and SCADA systems. You will play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and reliability through smart automation strategies. The successful candidate will be adept at virtual teamwork and possess strong communication skills to effectively liaunt with clients and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and commission DCS, PLC, and HMI/SCADA systems for chemical processes.
• Develop and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies to optimize plant performance and product consistency.
• Create and maintain automation project documentation, including functional design specifications (FDS), logic diagrams, and network architectures.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for automation systems, resolving issues efficiently to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with clients' engineering and operations teams virtually to understand their automation needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest automation technologies and trends, recommending suitable upgrades and solutions.
• Develop and deliver virtual training sessions for client personnel on automation systems.
• Participate in virtual project meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment with project goals.
• Contribute to the development of standardized automation platforms and best practices for remote deployment.
• Ensure cybersecurity best practices are implemented within automation systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process automation engineering, specifically within the chemical or manufacturing industries.
• Proven experience with major DCS platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS 7) and PLC systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens S7).
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP).
• Experience with SCADA system configuration and HMI development.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to diagnose complex issues remotely.
• Proficiency in virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack) and project management software.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective remote interaction.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize tasks effectively in a distributed team environment.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility in working hours.
• Competitive annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous allowance for home office setup and professional development.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and challenging international projects.
• Supportive virtual team culture and access to continuous learning resources.
• Paid time off and company holidays.