Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations and Optimization

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer for our Centurion, Gauteng facility. The role focuses on safe, efficient operation of chemical processing units, monitoring performance, and implementing process improvements to reduce costs and boost productivity.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, plant experience, and collaborative teamwork to support daily operations and long-term plant optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in chemical plant operations or process engineering.
• Solid understanding of mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics.
• Experience with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant data to ensure optimal performance and identify deviations.
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical support to production teams.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in process safety reviews and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to plan equipment turnaround activities.
• Assist in commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Prepare reports on plant performance and improvement initiatives.
• Support environmental compliance efforts for the plant.

Skills

Process control

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent industrial chemical manufacturer seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer for their facility in Centurion, Gauteng. This is an on-site role focused on ensuring the efficient and safe operation of chemical processing units. You will be responsible for monitoring plant performance, identifying areas for optimization, and implementing solutions to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and practical experience in a plant environment. You will work closely with the operations team to resolve daily challenges and contribute to long-term strategic improvements. This role is crucial for maintaining the high standards of our production facilities and ensuring consistent product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant operational data to ensure optimal performance and identify deviations.
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and provide timely technical support to the production team.
• Conduct root cause analysis for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in process safety reviews and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to plan and execute equipment turnaround activities.
• Assist in the commissioning of new equipment and process modifications.
• Prepare reports on plant performance, operational challenges, and improvement initiatives.
• Support environmental compliance efforts for the plant.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in a chemical plant operations or process engineering role.
• Solid understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, including mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics.
• Experience with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM) principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment, including potential exposure to challenging conditions.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Centurion, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund.
• The role provides excellent opportunities for hands-on experience and professional development within a stable manufacturing environment.
• You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to operational excellence.
• The position is based at our well-equipped facility in Centurion, Gauteng, offering convenient access and a clear path for career progression.