Senior Chemical Process Control Engineer

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Hybrid work options

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Chemical Process Control Engineer to design and optimize advanced process control systems for chemical facilities. You will implement DCS/PLC programming, refine control loops, and collaborate with process engineers to meet safety and quality targets.

The role requires expertise in control theory, PID/ MPC techniques, instrumentation selection, and strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process control engineering within the chemical or process industry.
• Proven experience with DCS (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV) and PLC systems.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, PID control, and advanced control techniques (e.g., MPC).
• Experience with instrumentation selection and specification.
• Proficiency in programming and configuration of control systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with safety instrumented systems (SIS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement advanced process control strategies for chemical processes.
• Develop and maintain DCS/PLC programming for plant control systems.
• Optimize control loops and system performance to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot control system issues and implement timely solutions.
• Collaborate with process engineers to translate process requirements into control designs.
• Specify instrumentation and control hardware for new projects and upgrades.
• Develop and deliver training programs on process control for operations and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure control systems meet SIL requirements where applicable.
• Stay updated on advancements in process control technology and automation.
• Provide technical support for automation projects and system upgrades.

Skills

Process control engineering

Control theory

PID control

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Related field

Tools

Honeywell Experion (DCS)

Emerson DeltaV (DCS)

PLC programming

Instrumentation selection

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a diversified industrial group with operations in Sandton, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Chemical Process Control Engineer. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced process control systems to enhance plant performance, stability, and safety. You will work closely with process engineers and operations teams to develop and maintain sophisticated control strategies, ensuring optimal operation of complex chemical facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of control theory, instrumentation, and distributed control systems (DCS). This is an excellent opportunity to work on challenging projects within a major metropolitan hub in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies for chemical processes.
• Develop and maintain DCS/PLC programming for plant control systems.
• Optimize control loops and system performance to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot control system issues and implement timely solutions.
• Collaborate with process engineers to understand process requirements and translate them into control system designs.
• Specify instrumentation and control hardware for new projects and upgrades.
• Develop and deliver training programs on process control for operations and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure control systems meet safety integrity level (SIL) requirements where applicable.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in process control technology and automation.
• Provide technical support for automation projects and system upgrades.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process control engineering within the chemical or process industry.
• Proven experience with DCS (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV) and PLC systems.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, PID control, and advanced control techniques (e.g., MPC).
• Experience with instrumentation selection and specification.
• Proficiency in programming and configuration of control systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with safety instrumented systems (SIS) is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in the Sandton, Gauteng area, with potential site visits.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Exposure to diverse and advanced automation technologies.
• Flexible working environment with hybrid options.
• A supportive team culture in a key business district of Gauteng .