Senior Process Design Engineer - Chemicals

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical coverage

Provident fund

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Design Engineer for our client in Welkom, Free State. You will lead design, simulations, and safety reviews to optimize chemical production.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support construction, commissioning, and startup phases, delivering high-quality process documentation and staying current with industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 8 years of process design experience in chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Proficiency with process simulators: Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or ChemCAD.
• Solid knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer.
• HAZOP studies and process safety management experience.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design and development for new chemical plants and modifications.
• Perform feasibility studies, simulations, and techno-economic evaluations.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs for projects.
• Specify reactors, distillation columns, pumps, and heat exchangers.
• Conduct safety reviews (HAZOP/LOPA) meeting safety standards.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and civil teams throughout execution.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning and startup.
• Optimize processes to improve yield and reduce energy and waste.
• Create and maintain process design documentation and standards.
• Stay updated on new process technologies and industry practices.

Skills

Process design

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Design Engineer to join their expanding operations in Welkom, Free State . This role is central to the innovation and optimization of our chemical production processes. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing new process technologies and improvements to existing systems, ensuring maximum efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering, with a proven ability to translate complex technical requirements into practical, scalable solutions. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact within a key industrial sector in South Africa , based in the resource-rich Free State province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and development for new chemical plants and modifications to existing facilities.


• Conduct feasibility studies, process simulations, and techno-economic evaluations.


• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).


• Specify process equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, pumps, and heat exchangers.


• Perform process safety reviews (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA) and ensure designs comply with safety standards.


• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, civil) throughout project execution.


• Provide technical support during plant construction, commissioning, and startup phases.


• Optimize existing processes to improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.


• Develop and maintain process design documentation and standards.


• Stay current with emerging process technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited university.


• A minimum of 8 years of experience in process design engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.


• Proficiency in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or ChemCAD.


• Strong understanding of chemical thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer principles.


• Demonstrated experience with HAZOP studies and other process safety management techniques.


• Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to manage multiple design packages and meet project deadlines.


• Experience in the design of specific chemical processes relevant to the local industry is a plus.


• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment and independently.


• Willingness to travel occasionally to operational sites in the Free State and other regions of South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, plus performance-related bonuses. The comprehensive benefits package includes private medical coverage, a generous provident fund, and opportunities for further specialized training and professional development. You will be part of a highly skilled team working on challenging and innovative projects in the chemical sector. This role provides excellent career progression opportunities within a well-established organization. Join us in shaping the future of chemical engineering in Welkom and beyond.