Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations & Optimization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual performance bonus

Housing allowance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Chemical Engineer to join our mining operations in Rustenburg, North West. The role emphasizes day-to-day process monitoring, troubleshooting, and driving continuous improvement to maximize throughput while ensuring safety, quality and environmental compliance.

You will work on the plant floor with operators and maintenance teams, lead process capability studies, mentor junior staff, and contribute to new technology deployments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in plant operations or process engineering in heavy industry (mining/metallurgy preferred).
• Strong understanding of chemical process principles in industrial settings.
• Experience with process control systems (DCS/PLC) and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant data to ensure optimal performance of chemical processes.
• Identify and troubleshoot process deviations; implement effective solutions.
• Develop and execute process improvement strategies for efficiency, yield, and cost reduction.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with maintenance to schedule shutdowns and upgrades.
• Conduct performance testing and process capability studies.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and operators on process operations and safety.

Skills

Process monitoring

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and metals processing industry, requires a dedicated Chemical Engineer to join their operational team in Rustenburg, North West. This role is critical for ensuring the efficient and safe operation of their chemical processing plant. You will be responsible for day-to-day process monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at maximizing throughput and product quality while minimizing operational costs and environmental impact. This is a hands-on position that requires a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles applied in a demanding industrial setting. The successful candidate will work closely with plant operators, maintenance crews, and management to achieve ambitious production targets. We are looking for a results-oriented individual with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to operational excellence. The role involves significant time on the plant floor, requiring active engagement with the processes and personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze plant operational data to ensure optimal performance of chemical processes.
• Identify and troubleshoot process deviations, implementing effective solutions to restore optimal conditions.
• Develop and execute strategies for process improvement, focusing on efficiency, yield, and cost reduction.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with the maintenance department to schedule and execute planned shutdowns and equipment upgrades.
• Conduct performance testing and process capability studies.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and operators on process operations and safety procedures.
• Participate in process safety management (PSM) activities, including hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new process technologies.
• Prepare regular operational reports and performance reviews for management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in plant operations or process engineering within a heavy industrial environment, preferably mining or metallurgy.
• Strong understanding of chemical process principles and their application in industrial settings.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting complex operational issues.
• Familiarity with process control systems (DCS/PLC) and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and environmental compliance in industrial operations.
• Ability to work shifts and adapt to a demanding plant environment.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a provident fund, and annual performance bonuses.
• The position provides excellent opportunities for career advancement within a well-established organization.
• You will be part of a team committed to operational excellence and safety in Rustenburg, North West.
• The role is based on-site, offering direct engagement with the core operations.
• Employees have access to ongoing training and development programs.
• A housing allowance may be considered as part of the overall compensation package for the right candidate.