Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 950,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a seasoned Senior Instrumentation Engineer to lead the design, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems across our industrial operations. You will ensure accurate process measurements and safe control loops while mentoring junior engineers and driving continuous improvement.

You will spearhead DCS/PLC projects, optimize plant performance, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of instrumentation and control experience in industrial/ process environments.
• Strong knowledge of sensors (pressure, temperature, flow, level), control valves, and instrumentation types.
• Experience with DCS/PLC programming and configuration.
• Familiarity with fieldbus protocols (HART, Fieldbus, Modbus) and SIS concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify instrumentation and control systems for new plant installations and upgrades.
• Develop calibration procedures to ensure instrument accuracy and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex instrumentation issues.
• Lead DCS and PLC projects, including scope, budgeting, and resources.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians; review drawings and schematics.
• Collaborate with process engineers to optimize plant performance and safety.
• Support adherence to standards, safety regulations, and quality systems.

Skills

Instrumentation design

DCS programming

PLC programming

P&ID reading

Safety systems

Team leadership

Education

Electrical/Mechatronics degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the industrial sector known for its commitment to operational excellence, is seeking an accomplished Senior Instrumentation Engineer to join their advanced facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This senior position requires extensive expertise in the design, implementation, calibration, and maintenance of complex instrumentation and control systems. You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and safety of process measurements and control loops across various industrial operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in process automation, sensor technology, and control theory, coupled with excellent troubleshooting skills. You will play a critical role in optimizing plant performance, improving efficiency, and maintaining the highest safety standards. This role demands a proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges, as well as a commitment to mentoring junior engineers and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement within the engineering department.

Key Responsibilities

Design and specify instrumentation and control systems for new plant installations and upgrades. Develop calibration procedures and ensure the accuracy and reliability of field instruments. Troubleshoot and resolve complex instrumentation and control system issues. Implement and maintain Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems. Manage instrumentation projects , including scope definition, budgeting, and resource allocation. Lead root cause analysis for instrumentation failures and implement corrective actions. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians. Collaborate with process engineers and operations teams to optimize plant performance. Evaluate and recommend new technologies for instrumentation and control.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in instrumentation and control engineering, preferably in an industrial or process environment. Extensive knowledge of various instrumentation types (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, level sensors) and control valves. Proficiency in DCS and PLC programming and configuration . Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., HART, Fieldbus, Modbus). Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) and functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61511). Excellent analytical , problem-solving, and diagnostic skills. Strong leadership and communication abilities . Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and electrical schematics. Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a provident fund, and annual performance bonuses. We are committed to your professional growth, providing ample opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and attendance at industry-leading conferences. This role is based at our state-of-the-art facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . You will enjoy a supportive work environment, generous paid time off, and access to company wellness programs. Join a team that values innovation, expertise, and dedication to operational excellence.