Remote Process Automation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Process Automation Engineer for a fully remote role. You will design and maintain DCS/PLC/SCADA systems, develop control logic, HMIs, and alarm management, and drive digital manufacturing initiatives across sites.

The ideal candidate brings 6+ years in process automation, deep knowledge of SIS design/validation, and strong collaboration across remote teams. Senior-level experts are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 6 years in process automation engineering, preferably in chemical/ process industries.
• Extensive hands-on experience with major DCS platforms and PLC programming.
• Proficiency in SCADA, HMI development, and historian databases.
• Experience with SIS design/validation is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced process control strategies and automation solutions.
• Configure and maintain DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems.
• Develop and troubleshoot control logic, HMI screens, and alarms.
• Collaborate with engineers and operations to identify automation opportunities.
• Ensure automation safety compliance, including SIS where applicable.
• Develop validation and testing procedures for automation systems.
• Provide remote technical support and optimization for plant automation.
• Stay updated on emerging automation technologies and best practices.
• Contribute to digital manufacturing initiatives, data acquisition and analysis.
• Document control system designs, logic, and procedures.

Skills

DCS platforms

PLC programming

SCADA

SIS design

HMI development

Python

C#

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Honeywell Experion

Siemens PCS 7

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

SCADA tools

HMI tools

Historian databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialty chemical manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Process Automation Engineer to join their expanding engineering team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced process control systems, automation strategies, and digital solutions across various manufacturing sites. The role involves working with state-of-the-art technologies to enhance process efficiency, safety, and reliability. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of chemical processes, extensive experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and SCADA systems, and a passion for driving digital transformation in industrial settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control strategies and automation solutions.
• Configure and maintain Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and SCADA systems.
• Develop and troubleshoot control logic, HMI screens, and alarm management systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers and operations teams to identify automation opportunities and implement improvements.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards, including Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) where applicable.
• Develop and execute validation and testing procedures for automation systems.
• Provide remote technical support, troubleshooting, and optimization for plant automation infrastructure.
• Stay abreast of emerging automation technologies and industry best practices, evaluating their potential application.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of digital manufacturing initiatives, including data acquisition and analysis.
• Document control system designs, logic, and operational procedures comprehensively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in process automation engineering, preferably within the chemical or process industry.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with major DCS platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Honeywell Experion, Siemens PCS 7) and PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
• Proficiency in SCADA systems, HMI development, and historian databases.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and their associated control requirements.
• Experience with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design and validation is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to automation (e.g., C#, Python) is a plus.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Self‑motivated and able to manage workload and priorities effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings options, and a generous remote work stipend. The opportunity to work with cutting‑edge automation technologies and contribute to global projects is a significant advantage. This is a 100% remote position, allowing you to work from any location.