Head Automation

Role & responsibilities

• Designing, specifying, and maintaining the DCS system architecture, including controllers, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), I/O subsystems, and communication networks.
• Reviewing vendor drawings and control system panel layouts for DCS panels, ensuring compliance with process and safety requirements.
• Developing and deploying control logic, configuring DCS input/output modules, and setting up control strategies/coordinated control loops.
• Leading commissioning, testing (including loop checks and instrument calibration), and troubleshooting of DCS hardware and software during installation and plant operation.
• Managing integration of DCS with other automation platforms such as PLCs, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and Fieldbus communication protocols.
• Coordinating modifications, upgrades, and lifecycle management of the DCS system and associated instrumentation.
• Ensuring alarm management, data logging, trend analysis, and report generation systems within the DCS are functioning to optimize process control and fault diagnostics.
• Leading a team of engineers and technicians in routine operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective actions related to automation and instrumentation systems.
• Ensuring adherence to safety, regulatory standards, and asset integrity programs (including SIL compliance).
• Preparing technical documentation, control narratives, system design specifications, and process control strategies.
• Budgeting, resource planning, vendor coordination, and project management for automation and instrumentation projects.

Preferred candidate profile

• A degree in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, or Chemical Engineering as a minimum educational qualification.
• Extensive experience with minimum 15 years, in instrumentation and automation engineering, preferably including project management and maintenance in process industries such as distilleries, petrochemical, or refining sectors.
• Strong expertise with DCS systems (such as Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa Centum, Honeywell Experion, Siemens PCS7), including hardware configuration, control logic development, commissioning, troubleshooting, and integration with other automation platforms.
• Familiarity with instrumentation calibration, control system architecture, safety instrumented systems (SIS), alarm management, and compliance with relevant codes and industry standards (API, IEC, ISA, ATEX, etc.).
• Proven leadership skills to manage teams of engineers and technicians, coordination with vendors, and project execution from design through commissioning and operation.