Lead Process Engineer - Refinery Operations

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 153,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical Insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Process Engineer for a major refinery project in Kimberley. The role requires leading process optimization, safety management, and capital project contributions, with experience across CDU, FCC, hydrotreating and reformers.

You will mentor engineers, perform advanced process analyses, and ensure regulatory compliance while driving efficiency gains in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in process engineering with refinery focus.
• Proven experience with CDU, FCC, hydrotreating, reformers.
• Strong knowledge of process simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II).
• Deep knowledge of process safety principles and PHA methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in managing projects and driving change initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize refinery process units for safe, efficient operation.
• Conduct mass and energy balances, P&IDs review, and PFD development.
• Identify opportunities for debottlenecking, yield enhancement, and process improvements.
• Lead process safety reviews, including HAZOP studies and implementation of recommendations.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support for operational challenges.
• Develop and evaluate process designs for capital projects and modifications.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company standards.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to meet objectives.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in refinery process engineering.

Skills

Team leadership

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Process safety

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

PRO/II

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major refiner and marketer in the downstream Oil & Gas sector, seeks a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer for their facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA. This role utilizes a hybrid work model, combining on-site operational support with remote strategic planning. The Lead Process Engineer will be responsible for optimizing refinery operations, ensuring process safety, and driving efficiency improvements across various processing units. You will provide technical leadership, troubleshoot complex operational issues, and contribute to major capital projects and debottlenecking initiatives. This position is critical to maintaining and enhancing the profitability and operational integrity of the refinery. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of refining processes, thermodynamics, and process control.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize the performance of refinery process units, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
• Conduct process analyses, including mass and energy balances, P&IDs review, and PFD development.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements, debottlenecking, and yield enhancement.
• Lead process safety reviews, including HAZOP studies, and ensure implementation of recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for operational challenges.
• Develop and evaluate process designs for capital projects and modifications.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company standards.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to achieve business objectives.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in refinery process engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on refinery operations.
• Proven experience with various refinery units (e.g., CDU, FCC, hydrotreating, reformers).
• Strong understanding of process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II).
• In-depth knowledge of process safety principles and PHA methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in managing projects and driving change initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, retirement, and life insurance.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility, with the primary office located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA.

Opportunities for professional growth, training, and development are extensive. Join a leading organization dedicated to operational excellence and innovation in the Oil & Gas refining sector.