Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Scale-Up

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 73,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a distinguished international chemical company to recruit a Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Scale-Up near Upington, Northern Cape. You will lead design, simulation, and scale-up of new production processes, ensuring feasibility, safety, and economic viability.

The role requires a strong background in process design, P&ID development, equipment selection, pilot plant operations, and PHAs.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering required.
• 7+ years in process design, scale-up, and project engineering in chemical industry.
• Experience with Aspen Plus, HYSYS, and CAD tools.
• PE or equivalent registration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and scale-up of new chemical manufacturing processes.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform detailed process simulations.
• Select equipment and define operating parameters.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and scale-up challenges.
• Conduct PHAs and ensure safety standards.
• Develop mass and energy balances, utility requirements, and preliminary cost estimates.
• Collaborate with R&D, project engineering, and operations teams.
• Write technical specifications for equipment and instrumentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strong analytical skills

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a distinguished international chemical company with expanding operations, is seeking an accomplished Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Design & Scale-Up to contribute to their innovative projects, with a primary base near Upington, Northern Cape . This role is crucial for translating laboratory concepts into commercially viable production processes. You will lead the design, simulation, and scale‑up of new chemical manufacturing processes, ensuring technical feasibility, economic viability, and operational safety. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in process design, P&ID development, equipment selection, and pilot plant operations. We are looking for a proactive engineer with strong analytical skills and a proven ability to manage complex projects from initiation through to successful implementation. This position offers the opportunity to work on exciting new chemical technologies and make a significant impact on the company’s growth and product portfolio in the Upington region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and scale‑up of new chemical manufacturing processes.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform detailed process simulations using industry‑standard software.
• Select appropriate process equipment and define operating parameters.
• Oversee pilot plant trials and troubleshoot scale‑up challenges.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure designs meet safety standards.
• Develop mass and energy balances, utility requirements, and preliminary cost estimates.
• Collaborate with R&D, project engineering, and operations teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Write technical specifications for equipment and instrumentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on design principles.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process design, scale‑up, and project engineering within the chemical industry.
• Proven expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and CAD tools.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience in developing and executing pilot plant programs.
• Excellent understanding of process safety principles and regulatory compliance.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in diverse chemical sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, materials) is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and performance‑based bonuses. We provide excellent opportunities for professional growth, including continuous training and exposure to diverse international projects. This role, based near Upington, Northern Cape , offers a chance to contribute to significant technological advancements in a growing company committed to innovation and sustainability. Join a team that values expertise and collaboration.