APC Specialist

Remote

UK/ Portugal / Spain / Poland / Germany / Netherlands

Mandatory Skills:

We are looking for an APC Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep technical expertise in process control systems, optimization, and performance improvement within the pulp and paper industry. The APC SME will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of advanced process control solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and energy efficiency across multiple production lines (e.g., pulp mills, recovery boilers, paper machines, and bleaching processes).

Key Responsibilities:

1. APC Strategy & Implementation

Develop, configure, and deploy Advanced Process Control (APC) applications to optimize production, energy usage, and process stability.

Integrate APC solutions with DCS, PLC, and MES systems.

Collaborate with operations and process engineers to identify opportunities for APC application across pulp, recovery, and paper sections.

Support model predictive control (MPC) and real-time optimization (RTO) strategies.

2. Process Optimization

Analyze process data using statistical and AI/ML-based tools to identify process inefficiencies.

Implement and fine-tune soft sensors, inferential models, and control algorithms for critical parameters (e.g., consistency, brightness, moisture, basis weight).

Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance yield, reduce variability, and lower operating costs.

3. Technical Expertise & Support

Serve as the subject matter expert for APC-related technologies, tools, and best practices.

Provide training and mentorship to plant engineers and control room operators.

Troubleshoot APC and DCS performance issues, collaborating with automation and IT teams.

4. Collaboration & Governance

Partner with process, IT, and data analytics teams to ensure APC systems align with digital manufacturing goals.

Establish KPIs and governance frameworks for APC performance monitoring.

Support corporate digital transformation initiatives (e.g., Industry 4.0, predictive control, and smart manufacturing).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Instrumentation, Control Systems, or Process Automation.

• 8–15 years of experience in process control within the pulp & paper, chemicals, or process manufacturing sector.

• Proven experience with APC platforms (e.g., Aspen DMCplus, Honeywell Profit Controller, Yokogawa APC, ABB, or equivalent).

• Strong understanding of DCS systems (ABB, Honeywell, Emerson, or Siemens).

• Expertise in PID tuning, model-based control, and dynamic process modeling.

• Proficiency in data analytics tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, OSIsoft PI, Seeq).