Principal Process Engineer - Chemical Processing

Placements24; Willows (CA); Híbrido; USD 109 000 - 170 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 represents a major client in the chemical processing sector and seeks a Principal Process Engineer to lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes at the Welkom, Free State facility. The role focuses on safety, environmental compliance, and delivering capital projects.

You will mentor junior engineers, perform process simulations (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), develop PFDs and P&IDs, conduct PHAs including HAZOPs, and collaborate with R&D, operations, and design teams to

Qualificações

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering required or preferred.
• 8+ years of process engineering experience in chemical, petrochemical, or related industries.
• Proficient with process simulation software and P&ID development.
• Strong knowledge of unit operations, reaction engineering, and thermodynamics.
• Proven track record leading complex process development and scale-up projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Responsabilidades

• Lead the design and optimization of new chemical processes and scale-up efforts.
• Perform process simulations and modeling using Aspen Plus and HYSYS.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Conduct PHAs including HAZOP studies to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and support scale-up to production.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across R&D, engineering, and operations.

Conhecimentos

Leadership

Team management

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication

Safety & compliance

Formação académica

MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Ferramentas

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

PFD & P&ID development

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a significant force in the chemical processing industry, is looking for a highly accomplished Principal Process Engineer to lead critical projects at their Welkom, Free State facility. This senior position is responsible for the conceptualization, design, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes, ensuring efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. The Principal Process Engineer will provide expert technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in process technology. The role demands a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, including reaction kinetics, separation processes, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. You will be a key contributor to strategic decisions regarding process improvements, capital investments, and operational excellence. This is an excellent opportunity to influence major industrial processes in a growing sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new chemical processes and the optimization of existing ones.
• Perform process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP studies, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and support the scale-up of processes to commercial production.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams, troubleshooting process issues and implementing improvements.
• Evaluate new technologies and make recommendations for process enhancements and capital projects.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers, fostering their technical development and project execution capabilities.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations departments to achieve project goals.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• At least 8 years of experience in process engineering within the chemical, petrochemical, or related industries.
• Extensive experience with process simulation software and proficiency in P&ID development.
• Strong knowledge of unit operations, reaction engineering, and thermodynamics.
• Proven track record of leading complex process development and scale-up projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr. Eng) with ECSA is preferred.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary package with performance incentives and comprehensive benefits, including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance. Opportunities for advanced training, professional development, and career progression within a leading industrial group are available. This role is situated in Welkom, Free State, offering exposure to significant industrial operations. We foster a culture of innovation and provide a supportive work environment.