Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations & Improvement

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

On-site role in Paarl

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Chemical Engineer for a hands-on, on-site role in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee plant operations, troubleshoot issues, drive process improvements, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with operations, maintenance and management to meet production targets and uphold safety culture. The role emphasizes operational excellence, continuous learning, and mentoring junior engineers in a demanding industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 4–6 years of experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics.
• Experience with process control systems and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Develop and execute plans for process optimization and yield improvement.
• Conduct root cause analyses for operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Manage Management of Change (MOC) processes for plant modifications.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams on equipment reliability and preventative maintenance strategies.
• Prepare operational reports, performance analyses, and technical documentation.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and process upgrades.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on plant operations and safety procedures.

Skills

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Instrumentation

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established chemical manufacturing facility in **Paarl, Western Cape**, is seeking an experienced Chemical Engineer to oversee plant operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This is a hands-on, on-site role crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and optimal performance of production processes. You will be responsible for monitoring operations, troubleshooting complex issues, implementing process enhancements, and ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to operational excellence. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on plant performance and contribute to the company's ongoing success in a vital industrial region. You will work closely with operations teams, maintenance, and management to achieve production targets and foster a culture of safety and efficiency. The successful candidate will be a dedicated professional committed to operational excellence and continuous learning within a demanding industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor plant operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and product quality.


• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime.


• Develop and execute plans for process optimization and yield improvement.


• Conduct root cause analyses for operational issues and implement corrective actions.


• Manage Management of Change (MOC) processes for plant modifications.


• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.


• Collaborate with maintenance teams on equipment reliability and preventative maintenance strategies.


• Prepare operational reports, performance analyses, and technical documentation.


• Support the implementation of new technologies and process upgrades.


• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on plant operations and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.


• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in chemical plant operations and process engineering.


• Strong understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics.


• Experience with process control systems and instrumentation.


• Proven ability to troubleshoot and solve complex operational problems.


• Knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance in chemical manufacturing.


• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.


• Commitment to a strong safety culture.


• Experience with process simulation software is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for career advancement within a stable and growing company.


• Employees benefit from a safe and professional working environment with a focus on operational excellence.


• Continuous training and development opportunities are provided to enhance professional skills.


• You will be part of a dedicated team contributing to the production of essential chemical products.


• The role offers tangible rewards for performance and a clear path for career progression.


• We provide a supportive management structure and a commitment to employee well‑being.


• This position is ideal for an engineer seeking to make a direct impact on plant performance and operational efficiency in a permanent, on-site capacity.