Project Engineer - Chemical Plant Expansion

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 256,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Project Engineer for a chemical plant expansion, based at Welkom. You will lead capital projects from conception to commissioning, driving schedules, budgets, and safety/compliance standards.

The role requires 8+ years in chemical‑plant project delivery, with strong PM software skills and a proven leadership record to guide diverse teams in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in project engineering or project management for chemical plant construction or expansion.
• Proven track record in managing multi-million rand capital projects.
• Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of capital projects, from scope definition to commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules and budgets, and monitor progress against targets.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines, contractors, vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct site inspections and progress reviews for safety, quality, and design compliance.
• Identify and mitigate project risks; implement contingency plans to stay on track.
• Prepare regular project status reports for senior management.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

MS Project

Primavera P6

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Project Engineer to lead critical expansion projects for their chemical plant located in Welkom . This role demands strong technical acumen in chemical engineering , coupled with exceptional project management skills to oversee the successful delivery of capital projects from conception to completion. You will be responsible for ensuring projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality. This is a key position that will significantly impact the company's growth and operational capabilities in the Free State province. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record in managing complex industrial projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of capital projects, including scope definition, feasibility studies, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, and monitor progress against these targets.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure effective project execution.
• Conduct site inspections and progress reviews to ensure compliance with design specifications, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, implementing contingency plans as needed to keep projects on track.
• Prepare regular project status reports for senior management, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and required decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project engineering or project management, with a focus on chemical plant construction or expansion.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-million rand capital projects.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles, construction practices, and procurement processes.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, essential for managing diverse project teams in Welkom .

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary and potential for project completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunity to lead significant capital investment projects and shape the future of the facility.
• Exposure to advanced project management methodologies and technologies.
• Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career advancement within a leading industrial group.