Chemical Engineer - Petrochemical Specialist - Durban

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Paid annual leave

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chemical Engineer with petrochemical specialization to join the Durban-based on-site operations team. You will ensure safe, efficient operation of refining and chemical production units, driving optimization and environmental compliance.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering with 5+ years in petrochemical plants, strong process control and data analysis familiarity, and a proven safety management mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a petrochemical plant environment.
• Proven understanding of refinery or petrochemical processes (e.g., hydrocracking, catalytic reforming, ethylene production).
• Familiarity with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and practices.
• Ability to work in a demanding operational environment and communicate effectively.
• Willingness to work shifts and be based in Durban, South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize day-to-day operations of petrochemical plants, including distillation, cracking, and synthesis units.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process analyses to improve yield, energy efficiency, and product quality.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, environmental permits, and procedures.
• Participate in Management of Change (MOC) processes and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs).
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and management to meet production targets.
• Develop and implement process improvements and debottlenecking projects.
• Prepare technical reports on plant performance, incident investigations, and project updates.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant operators and technicians.

Skills

Process optimization

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Safety mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer with a specialization in petrochemical processes to join their operational team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This is a critical on-site position requiring hands-on involvement in managing and optimizing complex refining and chemical production units. You will play a vital role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of our facilities. The successful candidate will possess a strong foundation in petrochemical engineering principles, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to operational excellence. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a leading industrial enterprise in Durban, contributing directly to the production of essential chemical products.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize day-to-day operations of petrochemical plants, including distillation, cracking, and synthesis units.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct process analyses to improve yield, energy efficiency, and product quality.
• Ensure adherence to all safety regulations, environmental permits, and operational procedures.
• Participate in Management of Change (MOC) processes and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs).
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and management teams to achieve production targets.
• Develop and implement process improvements and debottlenecking projects.
• Prepare technical reports on plant performance, incident investigations, and project updates.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant operators and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a petrochemical plant environment.
• Proven understanding of refinery or petrochemical processes (e.g., hydrocracking, catalytic reforming, ethylene production).
• Familiarity with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles and practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding operational environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Must be available to work shifts as required and be based in Durban.
• Valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses. Employees receive comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and paid annual leave. Opportunities for further professional development and specialized training are provided. The company culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and operational integrity. This role offers the chance to work within a significant industrial hub in Durban, gaining valuable experience in a vital sector of the South African economy. Significant opportunities for career progression within the organization are available for high performers.