Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations Support

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development

Safe and collaborative work env

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a diligent Chemical Engineer to provide essential operations support at our Mahikeng facility in North West. You will troubleshoot process issues, optimize operations, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

Collaborate with plant operators, maintenance and engineering teams to improve yield and efficiency, support plant shutdowns, develop SOPs, and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in chemical plant operations or process engineering.
• Strong understanding of unit operations and process control.
• Experience with process monitoring and data analysis tools.
• Hands-on problem-solving and safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to plant operations, addressing process issues and deviations.
• Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Assist in troubleshooting process upsets and implementing corrective actions.
• Support planning and execution of plant shutdowns and turnarounds.
• Ensure adherence to SHE regulations and company policies.
• Participate in PHAs and risk assessments.
• Contribute to SOP development and updates.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering on equipment reliability and modifications.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for yield or efficiency improvement.
• Train plant operators on process safety and best practices.

Skills

Process control

Data analysis

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Safety compliance

Excel proficiency

Education

B.Eng./B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established player in the industrial chemicals sector, is seeking a diligent Chemical Engineer to provide essential operations support at their facility in **Mahikeng, North West**. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe day-to-day operation of the plant. You will be involved in troubleshooting process issues, optimizing existing operations, supporting plant modifications, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate possesses a strong practical understanding of chemical engineering principles, excellent analytical abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will work closely with plant operators, maintenance teams, and senior management to maintain high levels of productivity and operational integrity. This position offers a solid foundation for career growth within the chemical manufacturing industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to plant operations, addressing process issues and deviations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Assist in troubleshooting process upsets and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Support the planning and execution of plant shutdowns and turnarounds.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (SHE) regulations and company policies.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and risk assessments.
• Contribute to the development and updating of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering departments on equipment reliability and modifications.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for yield or efficiency enhancement.
• Assist in training plant operators on process safety and operational best practices.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from an accredited tertiary institution.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a chemical plant operations or process engineering role.
• Solid understanding of chemical unit operations and process control.
• Experience with process monitoring and data analysis tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Familiarity with safety management systems and environmental compliance in an industrial setting.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary.
• Medical aid benefits.
• Provident fund contribution.
• This role provides excellent opportunities for on-the-job training and professional development, with exposure to various aspects of plant operations.
• The company is committed to fostering a safe and collaborative work environment at its **Mahikeng, North West** facility.
• Employees benefit from the chance to make a tangible impact on plant performance and operational efficiency, with clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.