Senior Process Control Engineer - Industrial Automation

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Flexible work options

Professional training & certifications

Laptop & mobile provided

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Control Engineer to lead APC projects across manufacturing facilities near Upington, Northern Cape. You will design, implement, and optimize APC, DCS, and PLC systems to improve product quality, efficiency, and safety.

The role requires deep control theory knowledge and hands-on automation experience in complex chemical environments. You will drive initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and ensure robust documentation and FAT/SAT processes while aligning with

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of process control engineering experience in chemical/process industries.
• Proven experience with major DCS platforms and PLC programming.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, PID tuning, and advanced control.
• Experience with SIS and industrial cybersecurity is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement APC strategies.
• Develop and maintain DCS and PLC systems.
• Optimize control loops for stability and efficiency.
• Execute FAT/SAT for control systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers to define control requirements.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, control systems, and automation software.
• Maintain safety and cybersecurity standards for control systems.
• Mentor junior automation and control engineers.
• Document controls with P&IDs, narratives, and manuals.

Skills

Control theory

PID tuning

Advanced control strategies

Project management

Analytical problem solving

Strong communication

Team leadership

Education

BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering

Electrical Engineering focus on control systems

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens PCS 7

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialized chemical production, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Control Engineer to enhance automation and control strategies across their manufacturing facilities, including operations near Upington, Northern Cape . This critical role involves the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced process control (APC) systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to improve efficiency, product quality, and operational safety. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of control theory, instrumentation, and industrial automation platforms, with a proven track record in complex chemical manufacturing environments. You will lead initiatives to integrate cutting‑edge automation solutions and drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement advanced process control (APC) strategies.
• Develop and maintain Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Optimize control loops and system performance to enhance process stability and efficiency.
• Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for control systems.
• Collaborate with process engineers to define control requirements and implement solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to instrumentation, control systems, and automation software.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards (e.g., SIL) and cybersecurity best practices for control systems.
• Lead and mentor junior automation and control engineers.
• Stay abreast of new developments in industrial automation technology and propose adoption where beneficial.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and user manuals.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on control systems.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process control engineering within the chemical or process industry.
• Proven experience with major DCS platforms (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, Siemens PCS 7) and PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
• Strong understanding of control theory, PID tuning, and advanced control strategies.
• Experience with industrial networks, instrumentation, and safety systems (SIS).
• Familiarity with process simulation software for control system design and testing.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple projects.
• Experience in cybersecurity for industrial control systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with performance‑based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Generous paid time off and opportunities for flexible work.
• Continuous learning opportunities through advanced training and certifications.
• Key role in driving innovation and efficiency in operations near Upington, Northern Cape .
• Collaborative and technically stimulating work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.
• Company‑provided laptop and mobile phone.