Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health and retirement

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a skilled Chemical Engineer to oversee and optimize plant operations at its Paarl facility. The role focuses on safe, efficient day-to-day chemical production with on-site presence for critical operations and flexibility for remote analysis and reporting.

You will monitor processes, troubleshoot upsets, drive yield improvements, and support continuous improvement while collaborating with operators and supervisors in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 4+ years of experience in chemical plant operations.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processing equipment and unit operations.
• Experience with process control systems and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant performance and key operating parameters to ensure optimal production.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement timely solutions to minimize downtime.
• Develop and execute plans for process optimization to improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and process modifications.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Prepare operational reports and provide technical guidance to shift teams.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client requires a skilled Chemical Engineer to oversee and optimize plant operations at their facility in Paarl. This role focuses on ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable day-to-day running of chemical production processes. You will be involved in process monitoring, troubleshooting, implementing operational improvements, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with plant operators and supervisors, this hybrid role demands both on-site presence for critical operations and flexibility for remote analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate possesses strong practical knowledge of chemical plant operations and a commitment to maximizing productivity while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor plant performance and key operating parameters to ensure optimal production.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement timely solutions to minimize downtime.
• Develop and execute plans for process optimization to improve yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and process modifications.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Prepare operational reports and provide technical guidance to shift teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in chemical plant operations or a similar role.
• Strong practical knowledge of chemical processing equipment and unit operations.
• Experience with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach.
• Good communication and leadership skills for effective team collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Hybrid work model allowing for some remote work flexibility.
• Exposure to diverse chemical manufacturing processes.
• Career development opportunities within a growing organization.