Electrical, Instrumentation & Control Engineer at Plantation Industries Limited

Job Summary

• The Electrical, Instrumentation & Control Engineer is responsible for the effective management, reliability, and safety of all control systems, instrumentation, automation infrastructure, and related electrical protections at Plantation Industries Limited’s cocoa processing facility.
• This includes installation, programming, calibration, software backup, control panel protection, and the design and maintenance of robust earthing, thunder, and lightning protection systems to safeguard sensitive equipment and ensure uninterrupted operations in compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Instrumentation & Process Control

• Install, calibrate, and maintain process instruments for temperature, pressure, flow, and moisture across cocoa liquor, butter, cake, and powder production lines.
• Monitor and optimize PID-controlled loops through SCADA/PLC systems to ensure consistent product quality and process efficiency.

Automation Systems Management

• Program and manage PLCs (Siemens S7, Allen Bradley), HMI interfaces, SCADA systems, and communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Maintain secure, version-controlled backups of all automation software and perform periodic system recovery tests.
• Update and archive automation logic changes, configuration files, and functional descriptions.

Electrical & Control Panel Protection

• Ensure all electrical and control panels meet IP protection standards, are dust- and moisture-resistant, and comply with hygienic design principles.
• Monitor temperature, load balancing, insulation resistance, and secure grounding within control panels.
• Maintain detailed panel drawings, cable schedules, and protection relay settings.

Earthing, Thunder & Lightning Protection Systems

• Design, implement, and maintain comprehensive earthing and lightning protection systems compliant with IEC 62305 and relevant Nigerian electrical standards.
• Ensure all control panels, production equipment, and automation systems are adequately bonded to the earthing grid.
• Inspect and test earth pits, surge arresters, lightning rods, and grounding conductors periodically to ensure electrical safety.
• Maintain grounding resistance within specified limits for sensitive instruments and communication lines.
• Coordinate installation of surge protection devices across all vulnerable points in the facility.

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance for control systems, instrumentation, panels, and lightning protection infrastructure.
• Respond to control system or protection-related faults swiftly to minimize downtime.
• Utilize SCADA and diagnostic tools for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all systems and installations comply with applicable food safety (FDA, EU MRL), quality (ISO 22000), and electrical safety standards.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation including earthing layouts, SCADA schematics, loop diagrams, and test reports for lightning protection systems.

Process Improvement & Training

• Analyze process data to propose automation upgrades that enhance efficiency, safety, and energy utilization.
• Train operators and technicians on safe use of automation systems, electrical panels, and emergency response protocols for lightning incidents.
• Liaise with OEMs, EPC contractors, and third-party auditors on instrumentation and protection-related projects.

Educational & Professional Requirements

• B.Sc./B.Eng. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation, and electrical protection systems in cocoa or food processing.
• Proficient in PLC/SCADA programming, instrumentation calibration, and electrical safety testing.
• Strong knowledge of earthing systems, surge protection, and IEC 62305-compliant lightning protection designs.
• Certification in industrial instrumentation, control systems, or electrical safety (e.g., ISA, TÜV) is an added advantage.

Core Competencies

• High technical proficiency in electrical safety, control architecture, and automation systems.
• Attention to detail in panel protection, grounding, and compliance documentation.
• Ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering tasks and vendor engagement.
• Proactive in preventive maintenance and process optimization.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Automation System Uptime: ≥ 98%
• Instrumentation Calibration Compliance: 100% on schedule
• General Panel Protection Compliance: 100% panels clean, IP compliant, load-balanced
• Monthly Earth Resistance Test Compliance: 100% compliance with ≤ 5 ohms reading
• Lightning Protection System Inspection: 100% quarterly inspection and log documentation
• Critical Downtime Due to Panel or Protection Failure: ≤ 1% of production hours
• Backup & Version Control of Automation Software: Restore after every update; full monthly backup
• Recovery Drill of PLC/SCADA Software: 1 per quarter
• Process Improvement Projects via Automation: 2 implemented per quarter
• Zero Electrical Safety Incidents: 0 incidents annually
• Training Sessions on Safety and Protection Systems: 1 per quarter

Remuneration & Benefits

• Highly competitive and performance-based salary package.
• 13th month salary and productivity bonus schemes.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage including spouse and dependents.
• Pension contributions in line with regulatory standards.
• Paid annual leave in line with company policy.
• Professional development and training support (including certifications and OEM training).
• Opportunities for promotion into factory management and engineering leadership roles.
• Relocation support for candidates outside Ondo State.