DCS Project Engineer

Valmet is a global technology company delivering solutions and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, as well as selected process industries. We help our customers improve their production processes, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability through advanced technologies, automation, and services.

In South Africa, Valmet Automation Division has a strong and established presence, supporting customers for decades with advanced automation solutions and lifecycle services. Our primary customer base is within the pulp and paper industry, where we have built long-standing relationships and a strong installed base.

We are now looking for a DCS Project Engineer to join our Valmet Automation team in South Africa, based in Durban.
In this role, you will report to the Service Manager, Automation, South Africa, and work closely with customers and colleagues across the organization.

The position is opening as part of a planned retirement within the team, creating an excellent opportunity to join an experienced and highly skilled organization, build on your existing automation expertise, and develop into a trusted technical partner for our customers.

Your role

As a DCS Project Engineer, you will be responsible for the engineering, commissioning, maintenance support, and lifecycle activities related to Valmet's Distributed Control System (DCS) solutions.

You will work closely with customers and colleagues across the organization to deliver automation projects, provide technical support, and ensure reliable system performance throughout the customer lifecycle.

The role offers broad exposure to industrial automation environments and the opportunity to gradually expand your expertise into related technologies, including Quality Control Systems (QCS), system integration, and cybersecurity.

Main responsibilities:

• Perform application and project engineering activities for DCS projects
• Configure, test, commission, and maintain automation systems
• Support customer projects from engineering through start-up and commissioning
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT)
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for installed systems
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation
• Support service agreements and ongoing customer activities
• Work closely with Project Managers, Service Engineers, and Sales teams
• Contribute to technical evaluations and quotation preparation when required
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the team

What we are looking for

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Process Control, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in industrial automation, control systems, process control, or project engineering
• Hands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS); knowledge of Valmet DNA or DNAe is preferred
• Strong technical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• A customer-oriented approach and the ability to build effective working relationships
• The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative team
• Good communication skills in English
• A proactive attitude and willingness to continuously learn and develop new competencies

Additional requirements

• Based in, or willing to relocate to, the Durban area
• Willingness to travel regularly between the Durban office and customer sites, particularly in the Durban and Richards Bay areas
• Availability for occasional travel to other customer locations within South Africa
• Willingness to participate in on-call support rotations when required

Why join Valmet?

At Valmet, you will have the opportunity to work with advanced and continuously evolving automation technologies while developing your expertise within a global technology company.

We offer:

• A structured onboarding program and technical training
• Opportunities to develop expertise across DCS, QCS, system integration, and cybersecurity
• An international and collaborative working environment
• Career development opportunities within a global organization
• The opportunity to work with an advanced technology platform that continues to evolve and innovate
• A permanent position

What will help you succeed

Success at Valmet is not only about technical expertise. We also value the behaviors that help us work effectively with our customers and colleagues.

Our Leadership Principles guide how we lead, collaborate, and create value together:

• Take accountability – Take ownership, set clear expectations, and follow through
• Lead with courage – Champion change, explore new ideas, and learn from experience
• Build on trust – Listen to understand, communicate openly, and create a safe environment for collaboration
• Collaborate for growth – Work across boundaries, value diverse perspectives, and focus on creating customer value

Application deadline: October 14, 2026

Information about our Talent Acquisition Process

• Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
• Selected candidates will be invited to a preliminary online interview.
• The recruitment process may then include up to three additional interviews.

When Everything Works Together

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With over 18,500 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, and we serve an even wider base of process industries with our automation systems and flow control solutions. Our commitment to moving our customers’ performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how and, above all, teamwork.

Join the team!
www.valmet.com/careers