Analyst - Control Systems at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

The Control Systems Specialist (CSS) role is responsible for the configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, programming, and hardware support of OT specific application.

Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Interface and coordinate system maintenance and support activities with OT Specialists
• Develop, document, and sustain, standard processes for support including proactive and predictive tools.
• Provide remote client server operating system hardware, base application support, security and troubleshooting
• Plan, develop and implement procedures and facilitate upgrades to system software and hardware
• Engage with Process Control and Plant Engineering staff on industrial automation and control system modifications, enhancements and expansions to ensure IT infrastructure alignment with Astron Energy standards
• Repairs, maintains and supports Refinery Yokogawa DCS and GE-Fenuc, PLCs production hardware, firmware and software systems. Assists instrumentation technicians in the field with fault finding of production instrumentation
• Repairs, maintains and supports Saldanha-Milnerton crude oil supply pipeline SCADA control system, peripheral protection, control devices and telemetry data links. Maintains product storage level and blending systems
• Repairs, maintains and supports and is responsible for periodic mandatory integrity testing of Refinery ESD (Emergency Shutdown System)
• Supports Refinery ADCON (Advance Control) engineering group in the design and configuration of advanced control loops. Develops DCS control graphics and configurations from functional control specifications
• Maintain calibration of tank gauges and the support to the tank team that refurbishes the tanks 
• Support TA’s with mandatory ESD checking and support R&M and OPS TA activities
• Provide input to all key technology decisions and changes required
• Provide input to contract management for consulting services, software license management as well as application support and outsourcing
• Provide input to the business planning cycle to ensure assets are maintained and upgrades planned for. Builds business cases for new technology.
• Project Management
• Communicates effectively and participates constructively during regular management briefing sessions. Provides timely feedback and information sharing to supervisor and peers within group
• Perform standby duties on rotation basis
• Embraces and promotes safety and environmental initiatives at all times and constructive engagement with the workforce through targeted safety observations and plant/unit audits

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or other related field, or equivalent work experience.

Work Experience: 

• 6+ years IT experience in a refinery or chemical processing environment
• 5+ years of experience in OT operations
• In depth knowledge of relevant Refinery technology stacks and platforms.

Knowledge and skills:

• Significant operational experience in refinery environment / relevant industry
• Demonstrated experience in industrial automation and control system modifications, enhancements and expansions
• Demonstrated DCS, SCADA and PLC support and upgrade knowledge and experience
• Knowledge of motor control and power systems
• Experience in an OT support and coordination role - for industrial computer systems and networks
• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting - problem solving, and resolving IT technical issues
• Ability to articulate highly complex information to supervisor and BRM

Key Processes Supported:

This role supports to following critical Refinery processes:

• Yokogawa
• Control Systems
• Support to Operations
• Support to Reliability and Maintenance Instrumentation and Electrical
• Support to Technical Services Instrumentation projects

Application deadline:

16 February 2023