About
# **Job Title: Senior Advanced Process Control (APC) Engineer - Pipeline Operations**
**Location:** (Remote / On-site / Hybrid) **Type:** Contract / Full-time
# **Role Overview**
We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Advanced Process Control to lead the design and implementation of a state-of-the-art Model Predictive Control (MPC) system for our liquid pipeline network. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between hydraulic physics and control automation, optimizing our operations for energy efficiency, throughput maximization, and batch quality. You will be supported by a SCADA/OT SME and report to the Principal Consultant. The objective is to leverage off-the shelf technology to custom build a state of the art flow control system that responds to performance constraints.
# **Key Responsibilities**
- **System Architecture:** Lead the selection and implementation of industrial APC software (e.g., Emerson PipelineManager, Aspen DMC3, AVEVA APC).
- **Hydraulic Modeling:** Develop and calibrate high-fidelity transient models ("Digital Twins") of our pipeline network to serve as the foundation for the control strategy.
- **Control Strategy Design:** Design and tune MPC matrices, defining Controlled Variables (CVs) and Manipulated Variables (MVs) to manage complex pump station and control valve interactions.
- **Integration:** Collaborate with automation teams to integrate APC with existing SCADA systems via OPC UA/DA, ensuring robust data quality and handling transport delays.
- **Optimization:** Implement strategies for:
- **Pump Station Optimization:** Minimizing energy consumption (DRA usage + electricity) while meeting hydraulic heads.
- **Batch Tracking:** Reducing transmix and optimizing product interface management.
- **Control Valve Management:** mitigating stiction and ensuring smooth regulatory control.
- **Commissioning:** Oversee step-testing, closed-loop commissioning, and operator training.
# **Required Qualifications**
**Experience:**
- 7+ years in industrial process control, with at least 3 years specialized in midstream oil & gas or water pipeline hydraulics.
**Technical Stack:** Deep hands-on experience with at least one major APC platform:
- Emerson (PipelineManager, Ovation)
- AspenTech (DMC3, Batch APC)
- ABB (Ability System 800xA)
- Rockwell (Pavilion8)
- DNV (Synergi Pipeline Simulator)
**Core Skills:**Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and transient hydraulic modeling.
- Expertise in Model Predictive Control (MPC) theory and tuning.
- Knowledge of SCADA integration protocols (OPC, Modbus).
- Experience with batch tracking and interface detection.
# **Desirable**
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng / PE) designation.
- Experience with Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) optimization logic.
- Ability to implement "Virtual Flow Metering" using hydraulic models.
Experience with one of these or similar:
**AspenTech Advanced Process Control (Aspen DMC3)**
- One of the most widely adopted APC/MPC solutions in refining and petrochemicals.
- Improves throughput, yields, and energy efficiency with robust model predictive control.
- Known for strong analytics and easier model deployment workflows.
**AVEVA APC (formerly Schneider Electric / AVEVA)**
- Model predictive APC that reduces process variability and energy usage.
- Integrates dynamically with DCS/PLC infrastructure and supports multiple model sets for complex scenarios.
**Honeywell Advanced Process Control**
- Layered optimization across units and plant-wide coordination.
- Focuses on maximizing throughput, yield, and operating profitability.
**KBC Platform for Advanced Control and Estimation (PACE)**
- APC with built-in estimator and model layers designed for real-time optimal control.
- Strong in handling non-linear and disturbance-rich industrial processes.
# **Why Join Us?**
This is a greenfield opportunity to build a sophisticated control layer from the ground up, moving our operations from reactive manual control to predictive, automated optimization.
Contract duration of more than 6 months. with 40 hours per week.
Mandatory skills: Mechanical Engineering, Python, Process Engineering, SCADA, Honeywell, AVEVA PDMS, PIPESIM, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus
Languages
- English
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