Lead Adanced Process Control (APC) Engineer (CH1178)

About the Role

Our client, a specialist in delivering cutting-edge digital services to the mining industry, is seeking a Lead Advanced Control (APC) Engineer to join their growing team. This role is key in designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced control solutions for the mining and process industries. You will collaborate with clients to deliver tangible operational improvements and participate in technical feasibility studies and business case assessments for new opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (Chemical, Metallurgical, Process, Electrical, or Electronic Engineering preferred).
• 7-10 years of related engineering experience.
• 3-5 years of practical experience in Advanced Process Control implementation and support.
• Formal qualification in Advanced Process Control or a suitable post-graduate qualification is beneficial.
• Knowledge of various APC techniques, including:
  • Model Predictive Control (MPC)
  • Fuzzy Logic Control
  • Advanced Regulatory Control (ARC) and constraint management
  • Inferential modelling and soft sensors
• Experience with process simulation, control loop performance analysis, and system identification.
• Familiarity with mining, mineral processing, or heavy industry processes is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of process control methodologies, process modeling, and advanced analytics.
• Software:
  • Basic software coding skills (e.g., Python, R, Matlab).
  • Proficiency in SQL, Python, and Power BI for process trend analysis and insight generation.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex process performance issues using advanced process control methodologies.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills:
  • Strong ability to engage with clients, present technical findings, and build long-term relationships.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Project Management Skill: Experience in delivering project milestones on time and within budget by proactively managing potential uncontrollable impacts.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with mining process operations, control system diagnostics, and predictive maintenance strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and implement APC applications (e.g., MPC, fuzzy logic, rule-based control, constraint handling, inferential control).
• Support feasibility studies and opportunity assessments to identify potential APC value in client operations.
• Conduct system identification, model development, and controller tuning.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize deployed APC systems to ensure sustained performance and business value.
• Collaborate with process engineers, control engineers, and operations teams to integrate APC solutions into daily plant operations.
• Prepare technical documentation, performance reports, and value realization assessments.
• Contribute to the development of the company’s Digital’s APC methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Client Engagement & Advisory

• Establish a deep understanding of customer business and technical needs, providing tailored APC solutions.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor, ensuring alignment between process optimization strategies and client objectives.
• Manage customer expectations and satisfaction during project delivery and after, ensuring clear communication on system performance and issue resolution.
• Identify and troubleshoot inefficiencies in advanced process control (APC) strategies and provide optimization recommendations.
• Leverage industry experience to identify process bottlenecks and optimization opportunities across the mining value chain.

Product & Service Innovation

• Contribute to multi-generational product plans, helping to improve APC tools and analytics software.
• Identify trends and insights that can enhance predictive analytics models and automation solutions.
• Provide feedback to product managers and developers to drive competitive and technological advancements in process monitoring.

Additional Information

• Predominantly office-based role, with occasional travel as required.
• Ability and willingness to travel, domestically and internationally.
• Strong career growth potential in digital process optimization and predictive analytics.
• Experience in mining or heavy process industries is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Exposure to cutting-edge APC projects across industries.
• Opportunity to work in a culture built on honesty, openness, and business-minded innovation.
• Professional development and mentorship to further specialize in APC.
• Competitive compensation and growth opportunities in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

General

• We are committed to fair and inclusive hiring. All suitably qualified applicants are welcome to apply.
• Preference may be given in line with our client’s Employment Equity plan and applicable legislation.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in South Africa at the time of application.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 30 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Please include your current remuneration (CTC), salary expectation, and notice period (optional but helpful for screening).
• By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes in accordance with POPIA.

Desired Skills

• Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN)
• Data Analysis
• Matlab
• Mining
• Power BI
• Process Control
• Process Engineering