Principal Process Engineer

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 137,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Principal Process Engineer for Kimberley, Northern Cape to lead design, development and optimization of chemical and energy processes. You will guide complex simulations, PFDs/P&IDs, and safety reviews while mentoring engineers.

The role demands a Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering with 12+ years of progressive experience, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of process safety management.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with significant experience in chemical or energy processing.
• Expertise in process simulation software (Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and process design tools.
• In‑depth knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, and reaction kinetics.
• Proven experience leading process design teams and managing technical projects.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual design, feasibility studies, and detailed engineering for new and existing process facilities.
• Develop and optimise process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs.
• Perform complex process simulations and calculations to ensure efficient and safe operation.
• Conduct hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and other process safety reviews.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to process engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Ensure all process designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Process engineering

Project leadership

Process safety management

Thermodynamics & mass transfer

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in the chemical and energy processing industry, dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions through innovative engineering. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Process Engineer to join our esteemed team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This senior-level position is responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of complex chemical and energy processes. You will play a critical role in ensuring process efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance across our operations. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in process simulation, thermodynamics, and mass transfer, coupled with a strong understanding of process safety management. This role offers the opportunity to mentor junior engineers, influence process design decisions, and contribute to cutting‑edge projects within a dynamic and technologically advanced organization located in Kimberley, Northern Cape. Your expertise will be vital in driving operational excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design, feasibility studies, and detailed engineering for new and existing process facilities.
• Develop and optimise process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform complex process simulations and calculations to ensure efficient and safe operation.
• Conduct hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies and other process safety reviews.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to process engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Ensure all process designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with significant experience in the chemical or energy processing industry.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and process design tools.
• In‑depth knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, and reaction kinetics.
• Proven experience in leading process design teams and managing technical projects.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles and practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Experience working within the Northern Cape region is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance benefits package.
• Generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and innovative process engineering projects.
• A professional and collaborative work environment in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Commitment to employee growth and career advancement.