Advanced Process Control Engineer - Process Automation, Control and Optimization

, India

Job Family Group:

Discipline Engineering

Worker Type:

Regular

Posting Start Date:

September 1, 2026

Business Unit:

Projects and Technology

Experience Level:

Experienced Professionals

Job Description:

What’s the role

As an Advanced Process Control (APC) Engineer, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining APC applications that enhance process stability, reliability, energy efficiency, and profitability across Shell's refining and petrochemical assets. Working within the Process Automation, Control and Optimization (PACO) team at the Shell Chennai Centre, India, you will collaborate with operations, process engineering, and control systems teams to identify optimization opportunities and deliver advanced control solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in process control systems, multivariable predictive control, and process optimization methodologies, with the ability to independently execute APC projects from design through commissioning and performance monitoring.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop and implement Advanced Process Control strategies to optimize plant performance and reduce costs.

• Work with plant personnel to identify opportunities for process improvements.

• Estimate benefit from APC implementation by performing Scoping Study.

• Perform Site Survey and Pretest to identify key areas and constraints for APC implementation and understand plant dynamics and time to steady state.

• Should be able to tune Base Layer Controls and identify issues and suggest strategies for improvement.

• Develop Functional Design defining strategies for Control and Optimization.

• Perform Step Test and Model Identification.

• Develop Inferential Model to estimate properties of key process parameters.

• Perform APC Pre Commissioning activities to enable handshake between APC and DCS systems, implement Watchdog logics, develop APC graphics and deploy APC Web Interface on Operator Panel Stations.

• Test shed logics for various scenarios of communication break between APC and DCS systems.

• Commission APC controllers and fine tune them to achieve desired control and optimization objectives.

• Perform post implementation Benefit Audit to identify actual benefit achieved by APC.

• Develop and maintain process control documentation, including control narratives, P&IDs, and control system configuration files.

• Provide technical support to plant personnel for process control issues.

• Develop and maintain process control training materials for plant personnel.

• Participate in the development and implementation of plant-wide automation projects.

• Support team members on projects to enhance their technical knowledge.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or equivalent qualifications

• Have 8-12 years of experience in implementing APC from start to end, i.e., Scoping Study to Post Implementation Benefit Audit

• Experience in designing, developing, implementing, and commissioning Advanced Process control and Base layer control strategies.

• Experience with Shell PACE, SMOC, Aspen DMC3, DMC plus, Honeywell Profit Suite, etc.

• Experience of troubleshooting and solving problems with controllers and other process related issues in process control.

• Good communication, presentation and interpersonal skills

• Good coaching and mentoring skills

• The ability to prioritize and multi-task the miscellaneous projects.

What we offer

You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together.

• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.

• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.

• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.

• Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.

• Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply.

• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and

• international teams.

• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.

After you submit your application, you will receive an email providing a link to an online assessment that is a mandatory part of the process. The email will come from HireVue - please check your spam/junk mailbox if you do not see the email. Once completed, your application will be reviewed to determine next steps. Thank you for your interest in Shell. 

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An Inclusive & Progressive Place to Work 

• To power progress together, we need to attract and develop the brightest minds and make sure every voice is heard. Here are just some of the ways we’re nurturing an inclusive environment – one where you can express your ideas, extend your skills, and reach your potential.

• We’re creating a space where people with disabilities can excel through transparent recruitment process, workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Feel free to let us know about your circumstances when you apply, and we’ll take it from there.

• We’re closing the gender gap – whether that’s through action on equal pay or by enabling more women to reach senior roles in engineering and technology.

• We’re striving to be a pioneer of an inclusive and diverse workplace, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Shell in India

Shell is a diversified energy company in India with 13,000 employees, and presence in Integrated Gas, Downstream, Power, Renewable and Upstream. Additionally, we have deep capabilities in R&D, digitalisation, and business operations.

Our global strategy, Powering Progress, is designed to generate value for our shareholders, customers, and the wider society, and focuses on creating more value with less emissions. The strategy supports our purpose of providing more and cleaner energy solutions, with the aim of profitably transforming Shell into a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050. As India moves towards its target of net-zero emissions by 2070, Shell India aims to play a leading role in securing vital energy for today, while investing in, and helping to build, the energy system of the future through strategic investments in the country.

Our Lubricants business serves over 50,000 consumers through a strong network of over 200 distributors, and operates an end-to-end value chain that spans conceptualization, development, and production at a world-class blending plant at Taloja. Through our 350-plus retail stations, we offer an integrated mobility experience including fuels, cafes, and convenience stores, with a prominent network of EV recharging facilities.

Shell owns and operates a LNG re-gasification terminal at Hazira, Surat, with a capacity of 5 MTPA and a LNG truck-loading unit that plays a crucial role in helping meet India’s growing demand for gas across sectors. In 2022, Shell acquired Sprng Energy in a $1.55 billion deal to build an integrated energy transition business in the country. Sprng is a leading renewable energy company in India which develops and manages solar, wind, and hybrid power generation facilities and infrastructure.

Our three capability centres across Bangalore and Chennai serve as a technology and innovation powerhouse for Shell globally, working as a delivery engine for core technical, digital, and finance processes: pioneering digital innovation and cutting-edge technologies across the energy sector. We also have strong academic partnerships and collaborations with leading universities and technology institutes to accelerate decarbonization efforts within the energy sector.

We are committed to positively contributing to the communities in which we operate through programmes on STEM Education, Skilling, and Livelihood across India. We nurture and invest in startups developing initiatives focused on accelerating energy innovation through programs such as Shell E4 and Shell Eco-marathon. We also have strategic investments in new energy companies such as Husk Power, d.light, Orb Energy, and Cleantech Solar.

DISCLAIMER:

Please note: We occasionally amend or withdraw Shell jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. Before applying, you are advised to read our data protection policy. This policy describes the processing that may be associated with your personal data and informs you that your personal data may be transferred to Shell/Shell Group companies around the world. The Shell Group and its approved recruitment consultants will never ask you for a fee to process or consider your application for a career with Shell. Anyone who demands such a fee is not an authorised Shell representative and you are strongly advised to refuse any such demand. Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer.