Process Control and Automation Engineer

Our client, a leading player in the petrochemical manufacturing industry in the Vaal Triangle , is seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking Process Automation Engineer to join their Technology team on a permanent basis.

About the Role:  This position offers the opportunity to drive innovation through the strategic selection, development, and implementation of advanced Process Automation technologies across the business. The successful candidate will shape, and lead automation strategies aligned to long-term technical and operational objectives, spanning production process control, digital systems, and integration technologies.

You will play a key role in modernising manufacturing operations, enhancing plant performance, and embedding Industry 4.0 principles within a complex production environment.

Minimum Requirements

• BEng/BSc Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or Instrumentation & Control
• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the petrochemical industry (post engineering training)
• At least 3 years’ exposure to Industrial Automation Systems such as DCS & PLC platforms
• Proven experience deploying and tuning Advanced Process Control systems (MPC / DMC) in a production environment
• Experience with data analytics and visualisation platforms (e.g., Power BI)
• Proficiency in Distributed Control Systems (Siemens and/or Yokogawa)
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) such as AspenONE and IP21
• Working knowledge of industrial codes and standards relevant to automation
• Exposure to Windows server environments, database server deployment and application support
• Understanding of Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity best practices

Key Responsibilities

Technology & Strategy

• Develop and manage medium- to long-term Process Automation strategies and technology architecture roadmaps
• Lead the design, implementation, and optimisation of Advanced Process Control (APC) strategies, including MPC and DMC
• Drive adoption of AI and Machine Learning solutions for predictive maintenance, optimisation, and anomaly detection
• Champion Industry 4.0 initiatives, including IIoT integration, digital twins, and data-driven decision-making
• Align automation strategies with broader business and operational objectives

Operational Excellence

• Establish and standardise best-practice technologies, procedures, and automation methodologies across sites
• Enhance Statistical Process Control (SPC) through advanced control and AI applications
• Oversee Process Information Systems, MES platforms, and digital process excellence tools
• Ensure robust OT cybersecurity protection across automation systems

Project Execution

• Act as Project Manager and Process Control Engineering Lead for selected capital and expense projects
• Identify and support high-value automation improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders including Process, Electrical, Instrumentation, IT, and Plant Engineering teams
• Drive accountability through structured forums, strategy sessions, and performance reviews

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong automation professional who thrives in a high-performance manufacturing environment and is passionate about driving digital transformation and operational excellence.