PhD Process Control Engineer

Bilingual Mandarin and English Process Control Engineer (Control Engineering & Machine Learning)

PhD in Control Engineering or Chemical/Mechanical Engineering with a focus on control systems with a background in optimisation and mathematical modelling.

Start date: To be agreed.
Duration & hours: Full-time permanent contract, 40 hours per week

Salary: Competitive up to £42k

Workplace: Currently hybrid working pattern of two days in the office in Altrincham, Cheshire, followed by three days home working.

Travel Required: There is no immediate requirement for business travel, but you must be open to travel on an ad hoc basis to meet business demands.

The company: Process Integration Limited (PIL) is a visionary technology company dedicated to delivering integrated first principle and AI-driven solutions for the oil and gas industry. Our state-of-the-art, closed-loop products seamlessly merge digital twins, comprehensive optimisation, and smart execution systems while promoting operational excellence. We are committed to providing exceptional value to clients by pushing the boundaries of innovation, driving sustainable progress, and shaping the future of the energy sector through advanced technology.

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Process Control Engineer with a PhD in Control Engineering or Chemical/Mechanical Engineering with a focus on control systems with a background in optimisation and mathematical modelling to join our CDU product development team. As a Process Control Engineer, you will play a critical role in optimizing and enhancing our processes through the development and implementation of advanced control strategies.

This is an exciting chapter as we embark on developing our first control product for our inhouse software. You will collaborate closely with in-house cross-functional teams and collaborate with Chinese Universities to design, implement, and maintain control systems that ensure the efficiency, safety, and reliability of our client’s operations. As such, the role requires a bilingual Mandarin and English-speaking candidate to be based close to our office in Northwest of England but is willing to occasionally travel to site in China. Your expertise in chemical engineering, control systems, mathematical modelling and machine learning will be instrumental in shaping our future.

Qualifications & Skills:

• PhD in Control Engineering or Chemical/Mechanical Engineering with a focus on control systems with a background in optimisation and mathematical modelling.
• Strong theoretical background in control theory, process dynamics, and system identification.
• Hands-on experience with control system design, implementation, and troubleshooting in an industrial setting.
• Familiarity with Python, GAMS, MATLAB, or other programming/modelling language.
• Chinese (Mandarin) and English Fluency Required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and a passion for innovation.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.Prior experience in the chemical engineering industry is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities:

Conduct Dynamic Modelling and Simulation :

• Perform dynamic modelling and simulation of chemical processes using software tools such as Python, GAMS, or MATLAB.
• Analyse system behaviour, identify key process dynamics, and validate control strategies to improve process understanding and performance.

Develop and Implement Advanced Control Strategies :

• Design and develop new control systems
• Design and develop innovative algorithms to self-tune the PID controllers.
• Utilize advanced control techniques such as model predictive control (MPC), adaptive control, and advance process control (APC) to enhance process stability and robustness. The focus is to develop a method to automatically update the dynamic model parameters in the control system using daily operating data.

Integrate Control Solutions into Manufacturing Processes :

• Collaborate with process engineers, and other specialists to integrate control solutions into existing processes.
• Lead the implementation of control systems on plant-wide distributed control systems (DCS) or programmable logic controllers (PLC), ensuring seamless integration and minimal disruption to operations.

Troubleshoot Control System Issues :

• Provide technical expertise and support for troubleshooting control system issues and anomalies.
• Conduct root cause analysis of control-related problems and implement corrective actions to restore normal operation and prevent reoccurrence.
• Continuously monitor control system performance and implement improvements as needed.

Support Real-time Process Optimization Projects :

• Participate in cross-functional teams for implementing the real-time closed-loop process optimization projects, driving initiatives to improve process efficiency, reduce variability, & enhance product quality.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project objectives, develop action plans, and implement control solutions that deliver measurable improvements in key performance indicators.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including Private Medical Insurance, EAP, company pension, hybrid working and holiday entitlement starting with (FTE) 23 days + bank holidays.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with industry leaders.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

There is a two-stage interview process first with a phone interview. Then the final interview with case study presentation requirements which will be conducted in person at the company office location in Altrincham.

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