Senior Process Control Engineer - Nelspruit

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life assurance

Pension fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Process Control Engineer in Nelspruit to optimize manufacturing processes through advanced control systems. You will design, implement, and maintain DCS/PLC/SCADA strategies, and lead control projects across a large-scale facility.

The role requires a chemical/mechanical/electrical engineering background with 6+ years in process control, APC techniques, and SIS knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in process control engineering in large-scale processing industries.
• Strong expertise in DCS such as Honeywell Experion or Emerson DeltaV.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and configuration (Siemens, Rockwell).
• Experience with APC techniques is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of process instrumentation, SIS, and industrial networking.
• Ability to read P&IDs and control schematics; strong analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to other sites.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement advanced process control strategies using DCS, PLC and SCADA.
• Optimize process performance by tuning loops and applying APC algorithms.
• Create and maintain P&IDs, control narratives and FDS.
• Collaborate with engineers and operations to implement improvements.
• Ensure reliability and integrity of control systems via maintenance and calibration.
• Lead control system upgrade projects with minimal production disruption.
• Provide training on process control systems to operations and maintenance teams.
• Stay updated on industry trends in process control and automation.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company standards.
• Participate in HAZOP studies and safety reviews.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Honeywell Experion

Emerson DeltaV

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the agricultural processing industry based in **Nelspruit**, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Control Engineer. This role is vital for optimizing the efficiency, quality, and safety of our client's manufacturing processes through the implementation and management of advanced control systems. You will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining process control strategies, including PLC programming, DCS configuration, and advanced process control (APC) applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical or mechanical engineering, coupled with extensive experience in industrial automation and control systems within a large-scale processing environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on operations in **Mpumalanga**'s industrial heartland.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement advanced process control strategies using DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems. Optimize process performance by tuning control loops, implementing advanced control algorithms, and troubleshooting control issues. Develop and maintain process control documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and functional design specifications. Collaborate with process engineers and operations teams to identify areas for improvement and implement new control solutions. Ensure the reliability and integrity of control systems through regular maintenance, testing, and calibration. Manage and execute control system upgrade projects, ensuring minimal disruption to production. Provide technical expertise and training to operations and maintenance personnel on process control systems. Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in process control and automation. Ensure all control system implementations comply with safety regulations and company standards. Participate in HAZOP studies and other safety reviews related to process control. Experience working within the **Nelspruit** industrial landscape is an advantage.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in process control engineering, preferably in the food and beverage, chemical, or related processing industries. Strong expertise in Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, or similar. Proficiency in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and configuration (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell). Experience with Advanced Process Control (APC) techniques is highly desirable. Solid understanding of process instrumentation, industrial networking, and safety instrumented systems (SIS). Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control schematics, and functional specifications. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Willingness to travel occasionally to other company sites as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life assurance, and a pension fund. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications, are readily available. You will work in a dynamic and technologically advanced processing facility. Our client fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, offering a rewarding career path. The role is based in **Nelspruit**, providing a stable and challenging work environment.