WE ARE HIRING
Project Lead – Functional Safety Engineer
Location: Northriding, Johannesburg
Company: Process Control & Integration (PCI)
Job Purpose:
The Project Lead – Functional Safety Engineer is responsible for leading and delivering Functional Safety, Industrial Automation, and Process Control projects from concept through commissioning. The role ensures that safety-related systems are designed, implemented, validated, and maintained in compliance with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 standards while supporting clients with safe, reliable and compliant automation solutions.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, manage engineering projects, oversee the execution and management of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), mentor engineering teams, and ensure the successful delivery of projects by integrating Functional Safety, OT Cybersecurity and industry best practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Functional Safety
· Provide technical guidance and expertise for all phases of automation projects to sub-ordinates for detailed design, configuration, implementation, testing, start-up, and commissioning.
· Provide technical guidance to your engineering design teams for equipment, instrumentation and SIS configuration modifications based on the outcome of Functional Safety analysis
· Develop functional safety related deliverables: Functional Safety Plans, Safety Requirements Specifications, SIL Verification calculations, Cause and Effects, Validation Test Procedures and facilitating Functional Safety Assessments and Audits
· Designing and implementing safety-related control systems, including safety instrumented systems (SIS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC), ensuring compliance with functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508, IEC 61511).
· Collaborating with your project teams to review and approve safety-related documentation, including system architectures, safety manuals, and verification/validation plans
· Staying up to date with industry trends, advancements, and changes in functional safety standards and regulations and incorporating them into organisational practices.
· Training and educating team members on functional safety concepts, methodologies, and best practices
Project Management
· Project Planning: Develop a detailed project plan
· Schedule and cost control
· Coordination: Coordinate with various teams, including design, manufacturing, construction, and maintenance teams, to ensure project goals are met
· Quality Control: Ensure the project adheres to quality standards and regulations
· Documentation: Maintain accurate project documentation including progress reports, technical specifications, and change orders
· Communication: Maintain effective communication with stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and vendors and direct line manager
· Problem-solving: Identify and resolve technical issues and problems that arise during the project
· Management and execution of SLAs
· Responding to and delegation of callouts
· Technical support
Commercial
· Responding to RFQs
· Procurement of hardware and software
· Invoicing projects once milestones are achieved.
Engineering
· Generating detailed technical design documentation
· Generating engineering drawings, e.g. CAD, EPlan, Excel etc.
· Project execution – all areas system integrator activities
· Supervision of assembly and wiring
· Programming
· Validation
· Verification
· Installation
· Commissioning
General
· Adherence to internal PC&I QMS
· Adherence to ISO9001 systems
· Adherence to OSHA and BCEA
· Continuous improvement
· Adherence to all PC&I HR policies
Management
· Management of subordinates – delegation of work and management thereof, leave approvals, overtime approvals, expenses and misconduct.
· Client liaison
· After sales service
Minimum Requirements
· BSc Engineering Degree (Electrical, Electronic, Instrumentation, Mechatronics or equivalent)
· 5–10 years' experience in Industrial Automation and Process Control
· Proven experience in Functional Safety
· Proven experience in OT Cybersecurity within industrial environments
· TÜV Functional Safety Engineer or Exida Functional Safety Engineer certification, or eligibility to obtain
· Strong knowledge of PLC, SCADA, DCS and Industrial Control Systems
· Experience in engineering design, project execution, commissioning, and executing and managing Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
· Excellent problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills
· Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to client sites when required
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a highly motivated engineering professional with strong technical expertise, leadership ability and a passion for delivering world-class Functional Safety and Automation solutions. The successful candidate must be able to work independently, manage multiple projects, build strong client relationships and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements kindly send your CV to:
[email protected]
Subject Line: Project Lead – Functional Safety Engineer
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Work Location: In person
