Senior Process Control Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend

Flexible hours

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Control Engineer to design, implement, and optimize advanced control systems for chemical processes on a fully remote basis.

You will work with global teams, leveraging APC, DCS, PLC/SIS and state-of-the-art simulation tools to boost safety and efficiency while mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of process control engineering experience in chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Proficiency in APC, DCS, PLC/SIS, and simulation tools.
• Strong knowledge of MPC, PID control theory and optimization techniques.
• Ability to work remotely and manage projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain advanced process control strategies for chemical plants.
• Design and configure DCS, PLC, and SIS environments.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Run dynamic simulations to optimize control loop tuning.
• Collaborate with operations, R&D, and IT across global teams.
• Provide remote troubleshooting and support for control systems.
• Deliver training materials for operators and engineers.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Control theory

Analytical skills

Remote work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen DMCplus

Honeywell Experion

Siemens PCS 7

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in chemical process optimization, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Control Engineer to join their dynamic and fully remote team. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge projects from the comfort of your home office. You will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex control systems for a variety of chemical processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, a deep understanding of control theory, and a proven track record of successfully managing challenging engineering tasks in a virtual environment. This role demands proactive communication and collaboration with cross‑functional teams located globally. We are looking for a self‑motivated individual who thrives in an autonomous setting and is passionate about driving efficiency and safety through advanced control strategies. The successful applicant will leverage state‑of‑the‑art simulation tools and real‑time data analytics to enhance process performance and ensure operational excellence. We value individuals who are committed to continuous improvement and are eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible in chemical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain advanced process control (APC) strategies for complex chemical plants, ensuring safety, efficiency, and product quality.
• Design and configure distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and safety instrumented systems (SIS).
• Perform root cause analysis for process upsets and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Conduct dynamic simulations and modeling to predict process behavior and optimize control loop tuning.
• Collaborate with operations, R&D, and IT teams to integrate control systems with other plant infrastructure and digital initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for control system issues remotely.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in process control technology and automation.
• Develop and deliver training materials for control system operators and engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process control engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proficiency in control system software (e.g., Aspen DMCplus, Honeywell Experion, Siemens PCS 7) and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of control theory, feedback control, and advanced process control techniques (e.g., MPC, PID optimization).
• Experience with PLC/DCS programming and configuration.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with distributed teams.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and comfortable working in a fully remote capacity.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive remote work infrastructure support, including potential home office stipends.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects for a global client base.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
• Access to continuous professional development and training programs.
• Contribution to environmental sustainability initiatives through process optimization.