Remote Process Control Engineer - Petrochemical Operations

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 2,030,000 - 3,046,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Process Control Engineer to design and implement APC strategies for petrochemical units. The role involves configuring DCS/PLC systems, developing MPC applications, and analyzing real-time data to optimize performance.

The position is fully remote, with collaboration across global teams and a strong emphasis on remote problem solving and continuous improvement. A senior candidate with a strong automation background is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years in process control engineering in petrochemical/chemical industry.
• Experience with DCS and PLC programming (Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens).
• Experience with APC software such as Aspen DMCplus and GE Proficy.
• Strong understanding of process dynamics and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong remote collaboration and communication skills.
• Reliable high-speed internet and home office setup.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies for petrochemical units.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot distributed control systems (DCS) and PLCs.
• Develop and deploy model predictive control (MPC) applications.
• Analyze real-time plant data to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate remotely with plant engineers, operators, and management to troubleshoot control issues.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, control narratives, and system documentation.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets related to control system performance.
• Stay abreast of advancements in process automation and control technologies.

Skills

Process control engineering

DCS programming

PLC programming

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Honeywell DCS

Emerson DCS

Siemens DCS

Aspen DMCplus

GE Proficy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in petrochemical manufacturing, is seeking a highly skilled Process Control Engineer to join their operations team. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility to qualified professionals anywhere in South Africa or internationally. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced process control strategies for complex petrochemical plants. This role requires deep expertise in control system architecture, advanced process control (APC) techniques, and real-time data analysis to optimize plant performance, safety, and efficiency. You will work closely with on‑site engineers and operators, providing remote expert support and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies for petrochemical units.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Develop and deploy model predictive control (MPC) applications.
• Analyze real‑time plant data to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate remotely with plant engineers, operators, and management to troubleshoot control issues and implement solutions.
• Develop and maintain P&IDs, control narratives, and system documentation.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets related to control system performance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process automation and control technologies.
• Provide remote technical support and training to plant personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in process control engineering, with a significant focus on the petrochemical or chemical industry.
• Proven expertise in DCS (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens) and PLC programming and configuration.
• Demonstrated experience with advanced process control (APC) software and implementation (e.g., Aspen DMCplus, GE Proficy).
• Strong understanding of process dynamics, control theory, and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and simulation tools.
• Exceptional remote communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a remote setting.
• Must have reliable high‑speed internet access and a dedicated home office setup.

Benefits

This remote role offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund. Our client is committed to professional development, offering opportunities for advanced training and certification. Enjoy the flexibility of working from home while contributing to critical petrochemical operations. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in process control without geographical limitations, supported by a global industry leader.