Process Control Engineer

Process Control Engineer Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Engineering and Technologies

Reports To: Project / Study Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Process Control Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and implementation of advanced control systems across onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities, including production, refining, petrochemical, and utility systems.

This role focuses on driving operational efficiency, process stability, and sustainability through advanced control strategies, automation, and real-time optimization. The successful candidate will spearhead control system enhancements, foster innovation in process automation, mentor junior engineers, and manage cross-functional projects. Ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory guidelines, this role is critical to achieving seamless operations and excellence in process control and automation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design, configure, and optimize DCS, SCADA systems, and PLC to enhance process performance and reliability.
2. Develop, integrate, and maintain advanced control strategies, including MPC and APC, to optimize energy efficiency and operational stability.
3. Implement and optimize real-time monitoring, automation, and fault detection systems to ensure proactive process adjustments and reduce unplanned downtime.
4. Create and deploy custom programs to enable seamless communication between control systems, historians, and other operational tools.
5. Lead control system lifecycle management, from concept design to commissioning, ensuring adaptability, scalability, and long-term reliability.
6. Perform continuous performance assessments of control systems, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement high-impact solutions to maintain peak efficiency.
7. Conduct process safety evaluations, including HAZOP and SIL assessments, ensuring the highest safety standards in control system operations.
8. Utilize advanced simulation tools and algorithms to model dynamic processes and validate control strategies for industrial systems.
9. Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to align control system designs with operational objectives and sustainability goals.
10. Plan and execute upgrades of control systems to integrate emerging technologies and meet evolving process requirements.
11. Leverage advanced data analytics tools such as Python or Power BI to extract actionable insights and refine control system performance.
12. Prepare detailed technical documentation, including functional specifications, user manuals, and engineering reports, for stakeholders and regulatory compliance.
13. Mentor junior engineers, fostering their technical growth and adherence to best practices in process control and automation.
14. Ensure compliance with global standards and guidelines, including API, IEC, and ISA, while continuously exceeding quality benchmarks.

Qualifications

1. Education: Bachelors degree in Instrumentation, Control Engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
2. Experience:
   1. Minimum 10 years of experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced control strategies across industrial processes.
   2. Proven experience in dynamic process simulation and control system integration for engineering studies.
   3. Strong expertise in troubleshooting and optimizing control algorithms to achieve peak and continual performance in energy-intensive systems.
   4. Hands-on experience in using process safety tools, such as HAZOP and SIL assessments.
   5. Deep knowledge of heat and mass balance, control system dynamics, and equipment sizing.
   6. Proven expertise in preparing technical reports and engineering documentation.
3. Soft Skills:
   1. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities for addressing complex control system challenges.
   2. Strong programming skills in Python (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) and/or Excel VBA/Power BI for data analysis and workflow automation.
   3. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to engage stakeholders and deliver high-quality technical reports.
   4. Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities to guide multidisciplinary teams effectively.
   5. Proactive and innovative mind set with a focus on continuous improvement and process innovation.