Process Optimization Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Remote; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid contributions

Remote work flexibility

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Optimization Engineer to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in chemical manufacturing. The role is remote, with primary support to Welkom operations in South Africa, requiring strong data analytics and a deep chemical engineering background.

The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement, implement DOE-based experiments, and collaborate with plant engineers to ensure safe, compliant processes while delivering measurable performance gains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering or optimization, preferably in chemicals.
• Proven ability to analyze complex datasets and derive actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Analyze process data to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement optimization strategies targeting yield, energy, and waste reductions.
• Use SPC and other data methods to monitor performance and trends.
• Collaborate with engineers and operators to troubleshoot and implement corrective actions.
• Design and run DOE experiments to validate improvements.
• Maintain process documentation and SOPs.
• Stay updated on new optimization technologies and methods.
• Prepare detailed reports on performance and impact.
• Support implementation of APC systems where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

SPC

DOE

Chemical engineering principles

Statistical methods

Remote communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

Python/R

Process simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the industrial chemicals sector, is actively seeking a motivated Process Optimization Engineer to join their forward-thinking team, operating remotely but primarily supporting their operations near Welkom . This role is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of our production processes through data analysis and systematic improvement initiatives. You will identify bottlenecks, implement solutions, and monitor performance to ensure optimal output and minimal waste. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical aptitude, a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, and a passion for continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to operational excellence from anywhere in South Africa, while maintaining strong ties to the Free State industrial landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze process data to identify inefficiencies, deviations, and areas for improvement in chemical manufacturing operations.
• Develop and implement strategies for process optimization, focusing on yield enhancement, energy reduction, and waste minimization.
• Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and other data analysis techniques to monitor process performance and identify trends.
• Collaborate with plant engineers and operators to troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Design and conduct experiments (DOE) to test and validate process improvements.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs and best practice guidelines.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and methodologies in process optimization and chemical engineering.
• Prepare detailed reports on process performance, improvement initiatives, and their impact.
• Support the implementation of advanced process control (APC) systems where applicable.
• Ensure all optimization efforts align with safety and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering or process optimization, preferably in the chemical industry.
• Proven ability to analyze complex datasets and derive actionable insights.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Python/R for data analysis) and process simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and transport phenomena.
• Experience with statistical methods, SPC, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, suitable for a remote working environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.
• Familiarity with the industrial context of the Free State region is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid contributions and performance-related incentives.
• This role provides the flexibility of remote work, allowing for a better work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to online courses and industry webinars, are provided.
• You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to driving innovation and efficiency in chemical manufacturing, contributing significantly to our operations supporting the Welkom area.