Senior Process Engineer - Petrochemical

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for a role based in Paarl, Western Cape. The position focuses on optimizing chemical processes, improving plant efficiency, safety, and product quality, with involvement in process simulations and debottlenecking.

The ideal candidate will have a strong chemical engineering background, expertise in Aspen Plus/HYSYS, and proven experience in petrochemical environments. The role is hybrid, offering collaboration in-office and remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive process engineering experience in petrochemical/related industries.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling software.
• Strong knowledge of unit operations, thermodynamics, fluids, and heat transfer.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and optimize chemical processes to enhance efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Perform process simulations and modeling with Aspen Plus or HYSYS.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement effective solutions.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and capital projects with operations teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and assist in safety reviews (PHAs).

Skills

Process engineering

Process simulation

Troubleshooting

Debottlenecking

PFDs & P&IDs

Safety & PHAs

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading petrochemical company with significant operations, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Engineer to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is central to optimizing chemical processes, ensuring plant efficiency, safety, and product quality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical engineering principles, process simulation, troubleshooting, and debottlenecking of industrial chemical plants. You will be responsible for designing, modifying, and improving process equipment and systems, as well as providing technical expertise to support operational and capital projects. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding career path within a vital sector of the energy industry, based in the scenic Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and optimize chemical processes to enhance efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS).
• Troubleshoot process-related issues and implement effective solutions.
• Perform feasibility studies and conceptual design for process modifications and new projects.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Ensure processes comply with all relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to support plant operations and capital expenditure.
• Provide technical support for the commissioning and start-up of new or modified process units.
• Mentor junior process engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and other safety review processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the petrochemical, chemical, or related industries.
• Proven experience with process simulation and modeling software.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Experience in process troubleshooting, debottlenecking, and process optimization.
• Proficiency in developing PFDs and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of safety regulations (e.g., HAZOP) and environmental compliance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with operations in the Paarl, Western Cape industrial sector.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
• This role is hybrid, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• You will be part of a team dedicated to innovation and operational excellence in the heart of the Western Cape's industrial landscape.