Electrical, Instrumentation & Control Engineers

Department: Engineering & MaintenanceReports To: Head of Engineering / Plant DirectorLocation: Plantation Industries Limited, Akure, NigeriaJob SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesInstrumentation & Process ControlInstall, 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 ManagementProgram 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 ProtectionEnsure 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 SystemsDesign, 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 MaintenanceExecute 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 & DocumentationEnsure 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 & TrainingAnalyze 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 RequirementsB.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 CompetenciesHigh 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 scheduleGeneral Panel Protection Compliance: 100% panels clean, IP compliant, load-balancedMonthly Earth Resistance Test Compliance: 100% compliance with ≤ 5 ohms readingLightning Protection System Inspection: 100% quarterly inspection and log documentationCritical Downtime Due to Panel or Protection Failure: ≤ 1% of production hoursBackup & Version Control of Automation Software: Restore after every update; full monthly backupRecovery Drill of PLC/SCADA Software: 1 per quarterProcess Improvement Projects via Automation: 2 implemented per quarterZero Electrical Safety Incidents: 0 incidents annuallyTraining Sessions on Safety and Protection Systems: 1 per quarterWhy Join Us?Plantation Industries Limited is not just growing—we’re transforming. As we scale up operations, install new processing lines, and embrace digital transformation, you’ll be at the core of innovation in Africa’s agro-processing sector. You’ll work with a committed team, modern technologies, and world-class standards in a mission-critical engineering role.Remuneration & BenefitsHighly 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.Ready to Take Control?Apply now via LinkedIn or send your CV and cover letter to:careers@plantationltd.netSubject Line: Electrical, Instrumentation & Control EngineersComplete the Plantation Industries Limited Job Application Form and upload the following supporting documents:Application LetterCurriculum Vitae (CV)National Identification Number (NIN)Date of Birth evidence (if not on ID)NYSC Certificate (Discharge/Exemption) – if applicableAcademic Certificates & Transcripts + required professional certificatesPrevious Employment ContractPay slips from the past three months