Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Optimization

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

On-site role in Welkom

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer for our client, a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer, to join the Welkom, Free State site. The role drives process improvements, increases efficiency, and ensures safe, compliant operations across production facilities.

You will analyze existing processes, develop optimization strategies, supervise pilot plant studies, and prepare PFDs and P&IDs. The position requires 6+ years in chemical manufacturing, expertise in process design and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering required.
• 6+ years in chemical manufacturing with focus on process engineering and optimization.
• Experience with process design, simulation tools, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with process safety principles and management systems.
• Excellent analytical, communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Welkom, Free State.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing chemical processes to identify efficiency, yield, and safety improvements.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies and debottlenecking.
• Design and oversee pilot plant studies and plant trials.
• Prepare PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D to meet targets.
• Contribute to HAZOP studies and process safety management.
• Participate in capital project planning and execution.
• Deliver training on new processes and safety procedures.

Skills

Process optimization

Aspen Plus / HYSYS simulation

Process safety management

Project management

Analytical skills

Teamwork and communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to join their dynamic operations team in Welkom, Free State. This role is critical for driving process improvements, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring the safe and sustainable operation of our production facilities. You will be responsible for analyzing existing processes, identifying optimization opportunities, and implementing innovative solutions. This position is based at our key manufacturing site in Welkom, Free State, offering a hands-on opportunity to contribute directly to operational excellence in a challenging industrial environment. Our client is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. If you are a highly motivated Chemical Engineer with a proven track record in process optimization, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of our team in Welkom, Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing chemical manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Develop and implement process optimization strategies, including debottlenecking, scale-up, and new technology integration.
• Design, conduct, and manage pilot plant studies and plant trials to validate process changes.
• Prepare detailed process design documents, including PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and R&D teams to achieve production targets and quality standards.
• Develop and deliver training to plant personnel on new processes and safety procedures.
• Manage capital projects related to process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Contribute to process safety management (PSM) activities, including HAZOP studies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the chemical manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on process engineering and optimization.
• Proven experience in process design, simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS), and troubleshooting.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with process safety principles and management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency in project management and execution.
• Experience in the mining or related chemical processing industries is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment in Welkom, Free State, including occasional shift work or call-outs as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement fund contributions, and generous annual leave.
• Employees in Welkom, Free State benefit from opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a stable and growing industry.
• This role requires on-site presence in Welkom, Free State, fostering strong team collaboration and direct impact on operations.