Process Control and Automation Engineer (61330) at Ntice Sourcing Solutions

Job Description

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