Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations Support - Nelspruit

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer to provide plant operations support at our Nelspruit facility. This hybrid role combines on-site engagement with remote analysis and reporting to optimize performance.

You will troubleshoot processes, monitor performance metrics, drive efficiency improvements, and collaborate with operators and maintenance teams while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, contributing to site success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 2-4 years of experience in chemical plant operations or process engineering support.
• Solid grasp of chemical processes, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Familiarity with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot process issues and identify root causes to support operations.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and target yield improvements and cost reductions.
• Assist in process modifications and debottlenecking projects.
• Collaborate with operators and maintenance teams for safe, smooth operations.
• Participate in daily production meetings and support operational planning.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Analyze process data and prepare performance reports.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance during all activities.
• Support HAZOP studies and other process safety initiatives.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established chemical manufacturer, is seeking a Chemical Engineer to provide vital plant operations support at their facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This hybrid role balances essential on-site presence for operational engagement with remote flexibility for analysis and reporting. You will be responsible for assisting the operations team in maintaining optimal plant performance, troubleshooting production issues, and implementing efficiency improvements. The ideal candidate will have a solid grasp of chemical engineering fundamentals, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively with plant personnel. This is an excellent opportunity to gain broad experience in plant operations and contribute directly to the success of a key manufacturing site in Nelspruit.

Key Responsibilities

• Support plant operations by troubleshooting process issues and identifying root causes.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and identify opportunities for yield improvement and cost reduction.
• Assist in the implementation of process modifications and debottlenecking projects.
• Collaborate with operators and maintenance teams to ensure smooth and safe operations.
• Participate in daily production meetings and contribute to operational planning.
• Help develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct process data analysis and prepare performance reports.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations during all operational activities.
• Support HAZOP studies and other process safety initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 2-4 years of experience in chemical plant operations or process engineering support.
• Good understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Familiarity with process control systems and data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse groups.
• Willingness to be on-site at the Nelspruit facility regularly as per the hybrid schedule.
• Valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and paid leave. The hybrid work arrangement supports a healthy work-life balance. Opportunities for professional development and training are provided. You will gain valuable experience working within a key industrial operation in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, and contribute to a company that values operational efficiency and employee growth.