Process Control and Development Engineer (PC&D - Grade 5) at Hire Resolve

Job Description

• A well known producer of stainless steel flat products is looking for a Process Control and Development Engineer to join their team in Middelburg,  Mpumalanga. 

Key responsibilities are:

• Identifying problem areas requiring improvement as directed by business KPIs
• Quantifying underlying contributory causes of problems
• Studying problems based on contributory causes and proposing solutions
• Implementing solutions including automation, mistake-proofing, and manufacturing procedures
• Sustaining and continuously improving performance through automated systems and processes
• Planning, directing, and coordinating hot rolling process improvements linked to PC&D systems to improve quality, efficiency, and availability
• Investigating all modelling and control system failures and associated deviations to implement corrective and preventive actions
• Implementing solutions to support process and product development in association with Level 1 or 2, Technical, and Production departments, through consultation with other disciplines/departments
• Maintaining and developing the following systems:
• Heat transfer modelling (finite element heat transfer Level 2 model) and combustion systems (Level 1)
• Rolling modelling (Level 2): speed, temperature, forces, torques, and flatness control models (including neural networks)
• Level 1 thickness, flatness, strip cooling, and coiling feedback control systems
• Expert System for continuous process parameter optimization of heating and rolling processes (including Fuzzy Logic)
• Standby duty on a rotational basis with other PC&D team members
• Ensuring compliance with goals defined in KPIs
• Identifying problems, investigating solutions, and resolving issues to achieve those goals
• Coordinating process deviations with all relevant parties
• Reacting to and correcting all substandard process conditions

Requirements: 

Qualification:

• The suitable candidate will hold a B.Eng. (Electrical, Electronic, Metallurgical or Mechanical) or Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field.

Skills and Experience:

• 3–5 years of experience in software development (C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, etc.), specifically in engineering control software
• Knowledge of Level 2 first-principle models for heating and rolling technology (advantageous)
• Understanding of how Level 2 models are automatically calibrated using artificial intelligence or simpler methods
• Knowledge of control systems and instrumentation (advantageous)
• Creative, with strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment (advantageous)
• Passion for engineering solution development