Senior Control Systems Engineer - Process Automation

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer for their client in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role targets the design, implementation, and optimization of process automation and control systems within a petrochemical environment.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years of experience with DCS/PLC platforms, SCADA, APC and SIS. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Chemical/Mechatronics engineering is required, with on-site time in Polokwane and some remote design work supported by a hybrid model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechatronics engineering.
• Minimum 6 years designing, implementing and maintaining industrial control systems (DCS/PLC).
• Experience with DeltaV, PCS 7 and Rockwell Logix preferred.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA, industrial networking, and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement control strategies for DCS, PLC, and SCADA across plant processes.
• Develop and maintain process control logic, alarm management, and SIS.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Collaborate with project teams during engineering of new installations and upgrades.
• Conduct root cause analysis for control system failures and implement corrective actions.
• Develop testing procedures for control systems hardware and software.
• Provide training and technical support to operators and maintenance personnel.
• Stay updated with industry practices and regulatory requirements in process automation.
• Contribute to functional design specifications and technical documentation.

Skills

DCS/PLC/SCADA experience

APC techniques

P&ID reading

Analytical and troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens PCS 7

Rockwell Logix

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to join their expanding operations in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is critical for the design, implementation, and optimization of process automation and control systems within their advanced manufacturing facilities. You will be responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable operation of plant processes through sophisticated control strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and advanced process control (APC) techniques. This hybrid role requires a balance of on-site presence for critical operations and the flexibility to work remotely for design and analysis tasks. You will collaborate closely with process engineers, operations teams, and IT to deliver robust and innovative automation solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a key industrial player and advance your career in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement control strategies for DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems across various plant processes.
• Develop and maintain process control logic, alarm management systems, and safety instrumented systems (SIS).
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing control systems to improve process efficiency, product quality, and safety.
• Collaborate with project teams during the engineering phase of new installations and upgrades, providing control system expertise.
• Conduct root cause analysis for control system failures and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and execute testing procedures for control system software and hardware.
• Provide technical support and training to plant operators and maintenance personnel on control systems.
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements in process automation.
• Contribute to the development of functional design specifications and technical documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining industrial control systems, specifically DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS 7, Rockwell Logix).
• Strong understanding of SCADA systems, industrial networking, and instrumentation.
• Experience with advanced process control (APC) techniques and simulation software is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in reading P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control narratives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Willingness to spend time on-site in Polokwane for essential project and operational activities.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development through advanced training and certifications. The hybrid work model provides a blend of on-site engagement and remote flexibility. You will work with a dedicated team on challenging projects that are vital to the company's success, offering significant career growth prospects within the petrochemical industry in the Limpopo region.