Senior Process Control Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Advanced training

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Control Engineer to design, implement and optimize APC strategies (including MPC) for our Randburg facility. You will maintain DCS/PLC logic, analyze process data, and drive improvements while ensuring safe, reliable operation.

You will collaborate with process engineers, lead control upgrades, and train operators on advanced automation. A strong background in chemical or electrical engineering and 8+ years in process control is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering required.
• 2+ years of experience?
• At least 8 years of process control experience in chemical/manufacturing industries.
• Proven APC/MPC design, implementation and tuning expertise.
• Experience with DCS/PLC platforms (Honeywell Experion, Siemens PCS7, Rockwell).
• Familiarity with data historians like OSIsoft PI.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize APC strategies, including MPC.
• Develop and maintain robust DCS and PLC logic.
• Analyze process data to identify control improvements.
• Troubleshoot control issues to minimize downtime.
• Develop alarm management and operator interface improvements.
• Collaborate with process engineers to define control requirements and validation.
• Lead control system upgrade projects and modernization efforts.
• Provide training to operators and maintenance personnel on control systems.
• Stay updated on latest process control technologies and automation advances.

Skills

APC

MPC

Process control

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Siemens PCS7

Rockwell PLC

OSIsoft PI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the specialty chemicals manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Control Engineer to enhance operations at their facility in Randburg. This crucial role focuses on the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced process control strategies to ensure plant efficiency, product quality, and operational safety. You will work closely with process engineers and operators to improve automation systems, troubleshoot control issues, and implement cutting‑edge control solutions. This position operates under a hybrid model, balancing on‑site needs with the flexibility of remote work. Your expertise in chemical engineering and control systems will be vital in maintaining and advancing the technological capabilities of our client's operations in Gauteng. This role offers a significant opportunity to shape the future of automated manufacturing processes in Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies, including Model Predictive Control (MPC).
• Develop and maintain robust Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) logic.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for control system optimization and performance improvement.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues to minimize downtime and ensure process stability.
• Develop and implement alarm management strategies and operator interface improvements.
• Collaborate with process engineers to define control requirements and implement effective control solutions.
• Ensure the reliability and safety of control systems through rigorous testing and validation.
• Develop and deliver training to operators and maintenance personnel on control systems.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process control technology and automation.
• Lead projects related to control system upgrades and modernizations in Randburg.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in process control engineering, preferably in the chemical or manufacturing industry.
• Proven expertise in designing, implementing, and tuning advanced control strategies (APC, MPC).
• Strong knowledge of DCS and PLC platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Siemens PCS7, Rockwell).
• Experience with process simulation software and control system modeling.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Strong understanding of process dynamics and instrumentation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience with data historians (e.g., OSIsoft PI) is a plus.
• Must be eligible for hybrid work arrangements from Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for advanced training in control systems and process automation are available.
• The hybrid work model supports work‑life integration.
• You will work with state‑of-the‑art technology and contribute to enhancing operational excellence.