Chemical Engineer - Plant Optimization

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer for our Durban facility to drive plant optimization and safety improvements. The role requires hands-on on-site involvement to analyze processes and implement engineering solutions ensuring peak performance.

You will work with operators and maintenance teams, review KPIs, lead small-scale equipment and control system modifications, and conduct process safety reviews including HAZOP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• At least 3 years in chemical manufacturing or process engineering.
• Ability to analyze complex process data.
• Familiar with DCS/PLC and instrumentation.
• Proficient in Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze chemical processes to identify inefficiencies.
• Develop modifications to improve yield and reduce energy.
• Monitor KPIs and troubleshoot deviations.
• Collaborate with operators and maintenance teams.
• Design small-scale equipment and control system modifications.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Maintain process data records and reports.
• Participate in HAZOP studies.
• Research new technologies to improve performance.
• Provide technical support during operations.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC

Excel

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent player in the industrial chemicals sector, is actively seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer to focus on plant optimization. This role is based in our bustling facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . The primary objective is to analyze and enhance the efficiency, safety, and output of our manufacturing processes through meticulous data analysis and the implementation of engineering solutions. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our production lines operate at peak performance, contributing directly to the company's bottom line and commitment to operational excellence. This is a hands‑on role requiring significant on‑site presence to understand and influence the day‑to‑day plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analyses of existing chemical processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement process modifications to enhance yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and troubleshoot deviations from optimal operational parameters.
• Collaborate closely with plant operators and maintenance teams to ensure smooth process transitions and effective problem resolution.
• Design and oversee small‑scale modifications to plant equipment and control systems.
• Ensure all process changes comply with safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Maintain accurate process data records and prepare regular performance reports.
• Participate in process safety reviews, including Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies.
• Research and recommend new technologies or methodologies to improve process performance.
• Provide technical support to the production team during operational challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in a chemical manufacturing or process engineering environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex process data and derive actionable insights.
• Familiarity with process control systems (DCS/PLC) and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles, including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills for effective collaboration with plant personnel.
• Proficiency in relevant software, such as Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational issues.
• Must be able to work on‑site in Durban full‑time.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for professional development.

Join our dedicated team in Durban and contribute to a company committed to quality and efficiency.