Senior Chemical Engineer - Project Development

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus program

Healthcare and retirement benefits

Paid annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Challenging projects

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Chemical Engineer to lead process design and project execution for new plants and expansions. The hybrid role, based in Welkom, Free State, involves feasibility, process design, equipment selection, and project delivery from concept to commissioning.

You will coordinate with vendors and internal teams, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and strive to deliver on time and within budget in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 6+ years of experience in chemical process design and project engineering.
• Experience leading process engineering for capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering aspects of new capital projects from concept to commissioning.
• Create and review PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and equipment specs.
• Perform feasibility studies and select process equipment/technologies.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams during execution.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Develop commissioning plans and support start-up on site.
• Prepare design reports and project handover packages.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of execution methodologies.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing force in the specialty chemicals manufacturing sector, is looking for a Senior Chemical Engineer to play a key role in their project development team. This hybrid position, based in Welkom, Free State, offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects from conceptualization through to commissioning. You will be involved in feasibility studies, process design, equipment selection, and project execution for new chemical plants and expansions. The role requires a blend of strong technical engineering skills, project management acumen, and excellent communication abilities to liaise with internal stakeholders, vendors, and contractors. The ideal candidate will have a passion for innovation and a proven ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. This role is perfect for an experienced engineer looking to contribute significantly to strategic growth initiatives in a dynamic industry within the Welkom region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process engineering aspects of new capital projects, from concept to commissioning.
• Conduct detailed process design, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Perform technical and economic feasibility studies for proposed projects.
• Evaluate and select appropriate process equipment and technologies.
• Manage and coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal engineering teams during project execution.
• Ensure all designs comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Develop commissioning plans and provide on-site support during plant start-up.
• Troubleshoot technical issues encountered during project development and execution.
• Prepare project documentation, including design reports, progress updates, and final handover packages.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project execution methodologies and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical process design and project engineering.
• Proven experience in leading process engineering for capital projects, preferably in the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Strong understanding of PFDs, P&IDs, HAZOP studies, and equipment design.
• Experience with project management principles and practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage stakeholders.
• Experience in Welkom, Free State or related industrial environments is beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing office and remote tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Performance bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Paid annual leave.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Contribution to exciting new chemical manufacturing projects.
• Supportive team environment.