Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations Support

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a Chemical Engineer to provide essential support to plant operations in Soweto, Gauteng. You will troubleshoot issues, implement process improvements, and support plant modifications in a hands-on, on-site setting.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering with at least 3 years of relevant experience and a solid grasp of mass/energy balances, thermodynamics, and safety regulations. Collaboration with multiple teams is key to success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in chemical plant operations or process support.
• Strong understanding of mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with process troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and relevant regulations.
• Able to work on-site in a plant environment and independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to plant operations to ensure optimal process performance.
• Troubleshoot process upsets, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor key process parameters and performance indicators.
• Assist in process improvements and modifications.
• Participate in PHAs and MOC reviews.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment or changes.
• Develop and update operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the plant.

Skills

Mass & energy balances

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Troubleshooting

Process safety

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer to provide essential support to plant operations in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA . This role focuses on ensuring the safe, efficient, and optimal performance of chemical manufacturing processes. You will be involved in troubleshooting operational issues, implementing process improvements, and supporting plant modifications. This is a hands-on position requiring strong technical acumen and the ability to work effectively on-site within a production environment. If you are a motivated engineer passionate about process excellence and operational efficiency, this role offers a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to plant operations to ensure optimal process performance.
• Troubleshoot process upsets, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor key process parameters and performance indicators.
• Assist in the implementation of process improvements and modifications.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Management of Change (MOC) reviews.
• Support the commissioning and start‑up of new equipment or process changes.
• Develop and update operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the plant.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in chemical plant operations or process support.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, including mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Experience with process troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and relevant regulations.
• Familiarity with process control systems is a plus.
• Good analytical and technical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently in a plant environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive annual salary up to ZAR , commensurate with experience. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development and training are available. The position is located at our facility in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA , offering a challenging and rewarding work environment. Join a company that values operational excellence and invests in its engineering talent.